Hourglasses

Hourglasses

Hourglasses, also known as sandglasses, are timekeeping devices that have been used for centuries to measure the passage of time. The device consists of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck. The bulbs are filled with sand, which flows from the upper bulb to the lower one through the neck at a constant rate. Hourglasses were widely used before the invention of mechanical clocks, and they still have practical and decorative uses today. The use of hourglasses dates back to ancient times, with evidence of their use found in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Hourglasses were used on ships to measure the length of watches and to time the cooking of meals. They were also used in churches to time sermons and in courts to time legal proceedings. Hourglasses were often given as gifts, and they were sometimes used as a symbol of mortality, reminding people of the fleeting nature of time. Hourglasses are still used today for a variety of purposes. They are commonly used in board games and as a decorative item in homes and offices. They are also used in scientific experiments, such as measuring the rate of flow of liquids. Hourglasses are often used in meditation and yoga practices as a way to measure the length of time spent in a particular pose or meditation. In recent years, hourglasses have become popular as a symbol of mindfulness and self-care. The act of turning an hourglass over and watching the sand flow can be a calming and meditative experience. Hourglasses are also used as a visual reminder to take breaks and focus on self-care.

timekeeping, ancient, practical, decorative, mindfulness

— David Clark

CITATION : "David Clark. 'Hourglasses.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=353243 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"