Daylight Saving Time Starts in Switzerland

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Switzerland typically begins at 2:00 AM on the last Sunday in March, when clocks are turned forward by one hour to 3:00 AM. This practice effectively shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, aiming to better match daylight hours with the periods when most people are active.

History

The concept of Daylight Saving Time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 but was not widely adopted until the 20th century. Switzerland first introduced DST in 1981, following many other countries that had already implemented the system due to energy saving reasons during and after the World Wars.

Traditions

There are no specific traditions associated with the start of Daylight Saving Time in Switzerland. It is a modern practice rather than a cultural event, so it does not involve festivities or celebrations.

What People Do

On the day DST starts, Swiss residents adjust their clocks before going to bed on Saturday night or upon waking up on Sunday morning. Many electronic devices automatically update themselves. People often use this time change as a reminder to perform semiannual tasks such as changing batteries in smoke detectors or adjusting schedules.

The shift can temporarily affect sleep patterns and routines, and individuals might spend some time adapting to the change. While there is no formal activity tied to this day, some take advantage of longer evening daylight for outdoor activities like hiking or enjoying time at local lakes and cafes.