I started to wonder this week: Where did this practice of “spring forward, fall back” come from?
National Geographic says the idea of using sunlight more effectively came from Benjamin Franklin. He was shocked that, when visiting France and awakening in the early morning, the sun rose a lot earlier than he did. “Early to bed, early to rise” is Franklin’s famous mantra, capitalizing on natural sunlight.
The U.S. didn’t start using Daylight Saving time until World War I. By making use of the longer summer days, less coal is needed to light the home and can be saved for the war effort. During World War II, Daylight Saving was implemented year round in an attempt to save even more energy for the war.
Not only does the time change, but the name of each time zone changes during Daylight Savings. Central Standard Time changes to Central Daylight Time while Pacific Standard Time changes to Pacific Daylight Time.
Regardless, of where Daylight Saving came from, I’m grateful it’s here! I may lose an hour of sleep, but the days become oh-so-long and perfect for playing more outdoors.
What do you love about spring Daylight Savings?
*Photo courtesy of here
