In Roman society, the first moments of the day were often marked by activity. Wealthy Romans would wake up early to attend the baths, while those in public service might meet to discuss political matters or prepare for the day’s work. Even the emperors had their own strict routines. The Emperor Augustus, for example, was known to begin his day early with a series of administrative tasks, which he would then follow with personal reflection or reading. The Roman focus on structure and duty influenced later societies in developing more time-conscious, regimented morning routines.
The Rise of the Monastic Routine: Mornings of Prayer and Reflection
As Europe entered the Middle Ages, the monastic lifestyle introduced a new approach to the daily routine. The Benedictine Rule, written in the 6th century by Saint Benedict, prescribed a highly structured day for monks, with specific times for prayer, work, study, and rest. The start of the day was marked by the early morning office, or matins, a prayer service that often began before sunrise. For monks, waking up early was a way to devote the first moments of the day to God, setting a spiritual tone for the rest of their activities.
This monastic influence extended beyond religious communities and gradually impacted the broader society. The idea of beginning the day with discipline and devotion was embraced by various cultures throughout Europe, especially during the Christianized periods of the medieval era. This practice of prayer and reflection in the early hours of the morning influenced how people viewed time and productivity, establishing a relationship between early rising and virtue. shutdown123