Monasteries rang bells for prayers (Matins, Vespers). Villagers set their day by these rings: “Third bell” meant midday rest, “sixth bell” signaled evening milking.
“When the cows return downhill” meant late afternoon. “When goats seek shade” was the hottest hour. Such observations were passed down orally. tamashebis gadmowera
Events were scheduled relative to holidays: “three days after St. George’s” or “just before Lent.” This linked time to spiritual life, not abstract numbers. Monasteries rang bells for prayers (Matins, Vespers)
Time wasn’t uniform: winter hours were shorter (less work outdoors), summer hours longer. A “day” was from sunrise to sunset, divided into tasks (e.g., “time to plow two furrows”). Monasteries rang bells for prayers (Matins