Naptime: History and Practice of the Spanish Siesta

For Americans who visit Spain, the concept of a siesta, or a midday nap may seem very strange indeed. Americans are known for living fast-paced and very hectic lives with little, if any downtime. However, for those who embrace the concept of a siesta there are many rewards. The practice of taking a siesta extends back in time a long way and is woven into the Spanish culture.

 

The Definition of La Siesta

Technically the term La Siesta means a 15 to 30 minute uninterrupted rest. However, in Spain and other parts of the world a siesta usually means that shops and businesses close down from around 2pm through 5pm and bars and restaurants close from 4pm until 8 or 9pm.

 

Roots of a Siesta

It is very hot in Spain, especially in the afternoon. Traditionally a siesta was taken by Spanish field workers in order to get some shelter from the blazing afternoon sun. Other countries such as South America, Africa and the Philippines also embrace the concept of a siesta to escape the sun and heat.

Modern Day Siesta

Even with the modern day siesta, employees and business owners return ready to work well into the evening hours. Since very few people actually get enough sleep in America, a siesta may be a practice worth considering. Even though shop and restaurant owners are not out in the hot sun, and many have air conditioning, they still embrace the concept of a siesta. Part of this has to do with the fact that they like to have a very long lunch and spend time with friends and family. Spanish families still gather at lunchtime to enjoy each other’s company and some down time. Spanish businesses also stay open later at night, and Spanish people tend to be very productive well into the evening thanks to their siesta. If you visit Spain, you will find a buzzing nightlife and people well up in age still up working and milling about the streets.

 

Is the Siesta Being Threatened?

While a long workday and late nights with friends and family is customary in Spain, many residents are no longer taking traditional siesta to compensate for the longer hours and late nights. As with many Americans, the younger generations in Spain now see the siesta as being unproductive. With this mentality, the siesta is becoming somewhat of an endangered institution in some parts of the country.  With many multinational companies moving into Spain, businesses are eager to capitalize on as long a workday as possible. A Spanish citizens’ advice group states that Spain’s office hours should end early to compensate for the fact that fewer people are taking. Recent studies show that Spaniards sleep one hour less than other Europeans, a fact that did not show up until people started to abandon the siesta. Many long time supporters of the siesta are not so eager to let the cultural practice disappear. They claim it is healthy not only physically but also emotionally and strengthens family ties.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a home educator and freelance writer. She recently wrote an article about how to learn Spanish in a short amount of time.