MEANING OF SIESTA
Siesta naming in different countries
Rest or nap after midday meal is known as siesta. This short nap during the early afternoon has different names around the world. From Spanish Siesta, Italian Riposo, Japanese Inemuri, Scandinavian Nap to many other countries taking Power Nap. Siesta is still common in some parts of the world, however, its importance decreases. Is siesta still practiced in Spain? What is the tradition of siesta?
→Beach hammocks in Isla Holbox, Mexico
The tradition of siesta in Spanish town Ador is sacred
Many businesses in Mediterranean countries change their working hours to follow other parts of Europe. However, there are still places in the world where the siesta is compulsory. In Spanish town, Ador siesta is a real thing. Between 2 pm and 5 pm, streets are empty and all shops are closed. The tradition of siesta in Ador is sacred, although people in some parts of the world don’t support it.
Fiesta then siesta
Living in a hot country is one of the reasons for siesta. Hot summers with temperatures above 35°C make it difficult to work after the midday meal. Taking a short nap during the day also allows you to enjoy the late nightlife. Nowadays, many workplaces have air conditioning to keep the room cool so siesta is becoming less popular.
→Avanti Hotel Boutique, Corralejo
ORIGIN OF WORD SIESTA
Latin word hora sexta
The Spanish word siesta means “nap”. It comes from the Latin word hora sexta (sixth hour). This is the amount of time that divides us between dawn and midday. Pižolot in Croatia or Taaseela in Egypt is equivalent to the Spanish word siesta.
→El Campesino restaurant, Lanzarote
Does siesta come from Spain?
The origin of siesta is associated with Spain, however, it dates back to ancient Rome. Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci was one of the few famous nappers in history. Siesta time refers to Romans’ time-keeping. The sixth hour of the night was midnight and the sixth hour of the day was midday – time for siesta.
First National Siesta Championship
Romans were using the “sixth hour” as a time to eat and rest. This tradition spread all over the world, especially in Spain. In 2010 the first National Siesta Championship was organized including the main prize of 1000 euro. The winner of the competition was Pedro Lopez with a napping time of 17 minutes. All participants were sleeping in the busy shopping center of Madrid.
Time is money
The main purpose of the siesta championship was to keep the siesta tradition in Spain. The modern world with the ideology “time is money” leads to the resignation of siesta or taking shorter breaks. Working in extreme midday heat reminds me of the famous saying by Rudyard Kipling “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.”
SPANISH SIESTA
Why was siesta popular tradition in Spain?
Hot weather seems to be the main motivator for taking naps during the day. However, in neighboring Portugal siesta is not that common. It is more a cultural aspect than just climate influence. Not every country near the equator has a tradition of siesta.
Impact of globalization on Siesta
Siesta in Spain does not follow modern European patterns. Working hours have to fit the international clock, especially in leading industries. Smaller companies can still enjoy siesta during the hot summer. However, commuting time is increasing due to traffic and long-distance so returning home for a short nap is no longer taken into account.
Is the Spanish tradition of siesta slowly disappearing?
Employees prefer to go for lunch to nearby restaurants than take a siesta. Also, a modern family with two working adults does not have time to prepare meals at home. As a result of that, the tradition of siesta in Spain is slowly disappearing. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are working from home which makes it easier to practice siesta.
→El Diablo restaurant in Lanzarote, Spain
Siesta time in Spain
Visiting shops or restaurants between 2 pm and 5 pm might not be a good idea, because of siesta time. Although many places in Spain remain open due to high customer demands I would try to do something else during those hours. Spanish society, considered a laid-back country, works more hours throughout the year than Germany, the UK, or Norway so let them have a short midday nap.
ITALIAN RIPOSO
What means riposo and orario continuato?
Italian siesta is called riposo which means rest. Another term that you should know is orario continuato – open all day without closing for lunch. During a holiday in this country, you need to plan where to eat or shop as some of the places might not be open. When visiting Italy, make sure to try some of the best Italian desserts and coffee brands. Italy has also plenty of restaurants with vegan food where you can try delicious Italian pizzas.
Rome, Italy
What can you do during siesta time?
Long lunch breaks make visiting churches, museums, or restaurants during Italian riposo might not be possible. Spend that time by relaxing on the beach with people you love or taking a short nap to recharge batteries for the evening.
Riposo time – Siesta in Italy
How long is a lunch break in Italy? Between 12:30 and 3 pm some of the Italians close their shops for a few hours. However, work-life balance keeps changing all the time around the world. Despite this, Italy stays as one of the top countries that have enough balance between work and family.
Why do Italians have riposo?
Riposo, similar to the Spanish siesta, is part of the culture. During the hottest hours of the day, lunch break in Italy can last from 2 to 4 hours. It is a time when Italians schedule meetings with friends and family. It is amazing how important is family “la Famiglia” in Italian life.
View from St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
NORDIC NAP
Do babies in Nordic countries sleep outside?
In Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and a few other countries you might see babies napping outdoors in cold weather. Their parents believe that kids can get better sleep outside. Fresh air helps them sleep longer, however exposing them to really low temperatures is a risk. As well as leaving them for a nap outside during hot summer.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
In Scandinavia, children are encouraged to go outside at any time of the year. Norway’s concept of friluftsliv which means outdoor does not only refer to just sleeping outside. At a very early age, kids are surrounded by nature to connect with the environment.
SIESTA IN MEXICO
Is siesta in Mexico common?
The population in Mexico works much more than most of the countries in the world but still lives in poverty. Extended breaks to spend time with family or short naps are becoming lost traditions. Modern technology makes it easier to deal with hot weather. However, the concept of siesta is not only to keep workers out of the heat but also to increase productivity and efficiency.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexican stereotype and benefits of short naps
Short naps during a day reduce fatigue and improve mood or performance. According to studies humans tend to become tired in the middle of the day or afternoon. Siesta can help to renew energy after a few hours of work. As we know, the typical Mexican stereotype is a person with a sombrero relaxing on a hammock and drinking tequila, but is it really like that?
→Relaxing in Villas HM Palapas del Mar, Isla Holbox
What is it mañana?
Some Mexicans still practice siesta and tourists like to talk about their mañana attitude. Word mañana means “tomorrow” and it is often used to describe a person who is too relaxed. Life might seem slow in Mexico, but don’t forget that Mexicans work hard throughout the day. They are the hardest-working people in the world.
JAPANESE INEMURI
What is it inemuri?
The Japanese word inemuri means “sleeping while present”. Due to long working hours, people in Japan use every opportunity to “take a nap”. Especially on public transport or park benches. In contrast to siesta, inemuri is not associated with laziness.
Why is inemuri accepted in Japan?
Inemuri is tolerated in schools or workplaces. Participating in-office meetings or lectures despite being exhausted is acceptable in Japan. Closing eyes while being present is an of a hard-working person that still has the strength to participate in social life.
How long does inemuri last?
It can last from a few minutes to one hour or as long as you need. However, your posture needs to pretend that you are focused. If someone asks you a question, you should be able to answer it immediately.
GREEK MESIMERI
Siesta time in Greece
Greek siesta is known as mesimeri which means midday. Between 3 pm and 5 pm is quiet time and people should not make a noise. There is even a Greek law that specifies quiet hours depending on the season.
Is siesta tradition slowly dying in Greece?
It is hard to see people taking a nap in tourist regions of Greece such as →Zakynthos. A lot of shops and restaurants stay open. Although, there are places in the country where families go for lunch together and take some rest during the hottest time of the day.
POWER NAP
Time for a power nap
When is the best time for a power nap? Napping between 1 and 3 pm is the best option. If you take a power nap later you might have problems with sleeping at night. Short power naps can bring a lot of benefits such as improvement of focus, memory, or better productivity.
→Isla Holbox famous hammocks, Mexico
How long should a power nap be?
You should not nap longer than 40 minutes. The perfect time for a power nap is between 20 and 30 minutes. It may help you with drowsiness better than coffee. Even if you are not living in a hot country it might be a good time to start taking power naps.
Infinity pillows
If you find it difficult to fall asleep during the day, consider buying an infinity pillow. It gives you comfort on the go or at home. Find the most comfortable position for a power nap by shaping an infinity pillow to your needs. You can rest your head on the office desk, cover your eyes or block noise with the pillow.
21st CENTURY NAP
Sleeping pods
Companies such as Google or Facebook introduced sleeping pods for their employees. Place where you can rest during work and boost your performance for the rest of the day. You can take a 20-minute nap while listening to relaxing music. Those sleeping capsules are pretty expensive, costing over $8000.
Airports with sleeping pods
Sleeping pods at airports are becoming more popular. You can find them in Moscow at Sheremetyevo International Airport or in London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Also, Dubai International Airport or Munich Airport are offering space to relax.
Sleeping pods in Japan
You can find capsule hotels in many countries. However, Japan was one of the first places in the world, to offer those affordable accommodations. In 1979 the first capsule hotel was opened in Osaka, Japan. These hotels are very popular among people traveling on a budget or those who missed their trains and need a few hour’s naps.
SUMMARY
The pressure of the modern world
The purpose of siesta is to slow down in life, avoid extreme heat and spend some quality time with family. In our busy lifestyle, we hardly can find free time to relax during the weekend. The pressure of the contemporary world makes that not many people enjoy siesta anymore. Is it something that we should reconsider and bring new value to our life?
Do we have enough siesta around the world?
Japan found a way of sleeping in the modern world. Also, some bigger companies provide amenities to their employees that allow them to take a nap. Remote working as well allows siesta at home. However, one of the most overworked countries in the world like Mexico does not have time for siesta. I think we should try to create a better work-life balance in many places in the world to enjoy our existence fully.
→Beach beds in Isla Holbox, Mexico
SIESTA QUOTES
To sum up, I will share with you some great siesta quotes:
“People who work hard often work too hard. … May we learn to honor the hammock, the siesta, the nap, and the pause in all its forms.” Author – Alice Walker
“…the devil’s hour, two o’clock on a summer afternoon – the siesta hour.” Author – Kamel Daoud
“I like the light that comes off metal shutters at siesta time in the summer, having a break from driving in the shops at motorway services, the odor of petrol at petrol stations, rolling down little slopes. I hate it when you tread in a puddle and the water soaks your socks.” Author -Audrey Tautou
