Time: how we feel it and what it means to us

Open Gate Portugal
Apr 30
2 min read

Time is a strange substance. It stretches in a queue, flies on holiday, slows down in sadness and disappears in love. Someone considers it a resource, someone - an enemy, someone - a friend. In some cultures it is scheduled by the minute, in others it floats like a cloud in the sky.

We decided to look deeper:

How do people in different countries and religions perceive time?
What is the past, present and future for them?
And why is talking about time always a conversation about values?

Monochronic and polychronic cultures

American anthropologist Edward Hall identified two types of cultures in relation to time: (Specificity of perception of space and time in different cultural groups...)

- Monochronic cultures:

characterised by a linear perception of time, strict punctuality and an orientation towards performing tasks according to a schedule. Examples: USA, Germany, Scandinavian countries. (Specificity of space and time perception in different cultural groups...)

- Polychronic cultures:

time is perceived flexibly, multitasking is allowed and personal relationships are prioritised over schedules.

Examples: Latin America, Middle East, Southern Europe.

You can read more about it in the article: Specificity of time perception in different types of cultures

Cyclical perception of time

In some cultures, time is perceived as a cyclical, recurring phenomenon. This is common in many Eastern and traditional societies where natural cycles and rituals are important. (How the perception of time may differ from person to person and in ...) - Time: the perception and use of time in different cultures

Religious and mythological conceptions of time

Many religions have their own unique conceptions of time:

- Hinduism:

time is seen as an endless cycle (samsara) from which the soul seeks to be liberated.

- Buddhism:

similar to Hinduism, teaches about the cycle of rebirths and the quest for nirvana - liberation from this cycle.

- Christianity and Islam:

time is linear, with a beginning and an end leading to Judgement Day.

- Ancient cultures:

for example, in Mayan and Aztec mythologies, time was seen as a series of cycles, each ending in catastrophe and beginning anew. (Cyclicality.)

More information:

- Time (Wikipedia)