Biannual uncertainty arises for many individuals as the question lingers: Should the clock be set forward or backward this weekend? The time change ritual occurs twice a year, in spring and autumn, prompting inquiries into its purpose and the specific timing of the shift to summer time in March.

Contrary to popular belief, daylight saving time is not merely a phenomenon from the 1970s and 1980s. Its roots stretch back to discussions around the turn of the 20th century, with some attributing the concept to Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the USA, who pondered it in the late 18th century. The German Reich, seeking energy savings during World War I, implemented daylight saving time. The oil crisis of 1973 spurred many countries to adopt the time change for energy conservation, with most European nations making the switch by 1980. However, standardization only occurred in 1996, with clocks adjusting on the last Sunday in October and March.

In 2024, the time change to summer time will transpire on Sunday, March 31, at 2 a.m. Clocks move forward by one hour, from 2 to 3 a.m. This alteration not only means sacrificing an hour of sleep but also raises discussions about the potential benefits of abolishing the time change, as its impact on electricity savings appears negligible. Despite ongoing debates within EU states, a consensus to end the practice has yet to be reached.

To aid in remembering the clock adjustment, several mottos and mnemonics can prove useful:

• In March, set the garden furniture outside, and in October, bring it back inside.
• March signifies a move towards higher temperatures, while in autumn, the thermometer points to lower values.
• "Spring forward, fall back": Jumping forward in spring and moving backward in autumn.
• Anticipate summer in spring, but reminisce about it in autumn.
• In spring, wake up earlier due to the clock moving forward, effectively "losing" an hour.
• Utilize the 2-3-2 rule: Move the clock forward from 2 to 3 a.m. in March and back to 2 a.m. in October.

While overcoming the mini jet lag that accompanies correctly setting the clock may pose a challenge, helpful tips are available to ease the transition during the first days of the time change.

Image by Jan Vasek from Pixabay