Time: Amari

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Amaris use the Gregorian calendar. However, within that daily routine great importance is paid to the rising and setting of the sun. 

Whilst Western approaches to time are o’clock, or by the clock; the Amari are the opposite. In many rural areas some of the elder population might not even have access to a clock or watch.

They are not alone in this approach to time.  Across the whole region there is a much more flexible approach to time.  ‘Africa time’ is very much a thing.  In short, Africa time means things will happen when they happen; there is no point worrying about what might be.  For example; you cannot control the rain, if it rains and crops grow, so be it.  Conversely, if it doesn’t rain they will not grow.  You cannot plan to harvest crops which depend on rain because you cannot control the rain.

Once the differing approach to time is understood, business with the Amari should be straightforward.  Attempting to rush them, or impose a Western approach to time will not be of benefit to either US forces or the Amari. This is the case in the cities as well as the countryside.

Key Dates, Time Periods, or Events

Meals

Breakfast

Tea is taken fairly promptly at 10am and 4pm.

Lunch

Dinner

Work Week - The typical work week is Monday to Saturday, totaling 45 hours per week, with 8 hour workdays Monday to Friday and 5 hours on Saturday. Sunday is usually taken off.

Holidays

Besides the standard Christian and Muslim religion holidays, Other celebrations and festivals revolve around the solar cycles (equinoxes and soltices).

Other National Holidays observed in Amari are:

Date	Holiday
1 Jan	New Year's Day
21 Mar	Spring Celebration
	Independence Day
	Constitution Day
	Unity Day

Harvest Cycles take into consideration both the solar cycles and the rainy seasons.

Elections

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Cultural Perception of Time

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Tactical Exploitation of Time

Caucasus Perception of Time

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US Perception of Time

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Summary

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