Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Why is Father Time So Creepy?

 I like sundials.  I would love to have one in my garden, if I had a proper garden.  You know, one that wasn't full of things like weeds and squash bugs and rocks.  But since I have a messy garden, I have to admire sundials in other places.


I took a picture of this sundial at the SciWorks museum in Winston Salem, and it wasn't until I got home and edited the picture that I noticed Father Time there with his saying.  And I was looking at Father Time and thinking he looks kind of creepy in a Grim Reaper sort of way. 

Of course it's the scythe that makes him creepy.  And then I started wondering, why does Father Time carry a scythe anyhow?  What does he need a scythe for?

If you were thinking the harvest, you'd be wrong.  Nope, it's nothing so quaint. In fact, if you do a search for why Father Time carries his scythe, you will get an answer that you probably weren't expecting.  Certainly I won't ever forget what I learned when I see the ominous Father in the future. 

Anyhow, all that eerie business aside, it does seem like just before New Year's Eve is the appropriate time to post a picture of Father Time.  Another year gone by.  I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, scythe-free New Years! 

22 comments:

mail4rosey said...

The scythe is very grim reaper-y. But I like the dial too. :) Happy New Year to you!

Out on the prairie said...

We used to make our sundials with a stick, noting where the current time landed with North and South. When we were out, it was easy to tell time of a sorts and get home for supper.

Sunnybrook Farm said...

My scythes are hanging in the shed waiting for spring. I don't know how sundials work, I suspect that the ones in gardens are not accurate and it would take a very different looking one that would function throughout the year, it would almost have to track the sun weekly to be on time. When I work outside a lot, I can just tell what time it is fairly accurately plus the planes from Charlotte come across pretty much on time.

Heather said...

Well I certainly wasn't expecting that first thing this morning :-) Note to self - do not google things too early in the morning! I can't believe that 2015 is coming to a close. It has been a great one here, but has gone too fast!

TexWisGirl said...

guess he waits for all of us. :)

The Cranky said...

How.... grim. Better than the diapered 'cherub' though!

PioneerPreppy said...

I always thought he carried one to wack the head off the new upcoming baby New Year.

That's what I would do in his position :)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Sounds like you had a great trip to NC... Hope your little one stays healthy...

YES---Father Time just keeps on MOVING... ha

Happy New Year!!!!!! Hope you and your loved ones have a blessed 2016....

I posted my "Year in Review" blog today. Had fun working on that one.

Hugs,
Betsy

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Oh my, that's nuts!!!....pun intended. I can't believe what I just read.

Anonymous said...

We were lucky enough to inherit a sun dial from a previous owner of one of our homes. It comes in quite handy when John is out working and wonders what time it is! Ours has a hummer on it.

Texan said...

Ok I had to look it up! Interesting on the why...

You know ....In astrology (astrological charts), Saturn is associated with restriction and limitation. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn constricts.

Of course one has to remember,,, nothing is without balance. There are always both sides to everything... :O)

Michelle said...

I swear....everything just boils down to men and their body parts. lol Happy New Year!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Its kind of confusing to this pug and her mommy.. Maybe all our brain cells are full.
love
tweedles

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Well, makes sense when you think about it.. all related. *sigh

Sally said...

One of the wonderful things about you, Lisa; curiosity! You're much smarter than the average. :)

xoxo

Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky said...

Yes, he does look creepy. Cool pic, though. Happy New Year!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Happy New Years!!!
love
tweedles

Maggid said...

Greeks??? Are you talking about Ancient Stories??? Cool.
Still, your garden IS a Garden - a working garden - AND - you deserve a sundial - - your choice of decoration . . . bet your family will get in to a science project and create one . . .
Love & Love,
-g-

Linda said...

Hmm, I'm glad the story I found was not a video!

Unknown said...

I agree, Lisa. This is a much different way than how I look at time. Hope your New Year was nice! :)

An Apel a Day said...

I never thought of him as creepy until now. I guess a lot of things can be considered creepy: Clowns, Gnomes, Trolls, old dolls and this to. I like creepy, so I'm ok with them.

Eat To Live said...

My garden is pretty messy right now too. Well, I don't really have a garden..... just spots here and there.