Time is a curious thing. It is abstract and intangible yet we use it to measure the events of our lives. We wake up in the morning, go to work or school, and return home at night. The sun rises and sets, the moon waxes and wanes, and the seasons come and go. Let us explore things that represent time.
Things That Represent Time
- The Sun – The sun is perhaps the most important symbol of time. It is the giver of life itself, and its movements have been used to measure time since the beginning of civilization. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, marking the passage of each day. In Asia, the sun was seen as a god who could bring life to things like plants and animals. In ancient Egypt, the sun was associated with Ra, the god of the sky. The sun was also an important symbol to the Native Americans who saw it as a god who brought warmth and light to their world.
- The Moon – The moon is another important symbol of time. Its phases have long been used to track the passage of months and years. In some cultures, the moon was seen as a god who controlled the tides and the rhythms of nature. In others, it was seen as a goddess who represented fertility and femininity. In Chinese culture, the moon is associated with yin energy, while in Japanese culture, it is associated with yang energy.
- The Seasons – The change of seasons is another way that we keep track of time. Each season has its own unique weather patterns, plant life, and animal activity that can be used to tell time. For example, in winter we know that it is time to plant crops like wheat while in summer we know that it is time to harvest those same crops. The four seasons also have spiritual significance in many cultures around the world.
- Birthdays – Birthdays are special days that mark the passage of time for each individual person. On our birthday, we celebrate another year that we have been alive on this earth. Birthdays are traditionally celebrated with cake, ice cream, presents, and family gatherings. In some cultures, birthdays are seen as lucky days when special prayers are said for health and happiness in the coming year.
Wedding Anniversaries – Wedding anniversaries are special days that mark how long a couple has been married. Each year on their anniversary, couples exchange gifts and renew their vows to each other. In some cultures, wedding anniversaries are seen as lucky days when special prayers are said for health and happiness in the coming year.
Conclusion:
There are many ways to symbolize time depending on your culture or religion holidays!, but each one carries its own unique meaning. Sunrise/sets, lunar cycles,, seasonal changes,, personal milestones (birthdays), and community milestones (wedding anniversaries) all give commonality yet varied perspectives on how monumental each event may be! Though TIME may seem to move differently for each one of us…ultimately, we’re all on borrowed TIME…let’s make haste & celebrate LIFE!