Fray Luis and Spanish Timing

There is a well known story in Spain about Fray Luis de Leon, a rector of the University of Salamanca during the XVI century. It is said that during his studies, Fray Luis criticized the Latin translation of the Bible and proceeded to translate the "Song of Solomon" from Latin to Spanish. The powers that be were infuriated with Fray Luis and arrested him while he was teaching a class. He was imprisoned in Valladolid for four years. At the end of those four years, Fray Luis was released from prison and returned to teach classes at the University of Salamanca. Fray Luis began his first class by saying, "Decíamos ayer," or "As we were saying yesterday..."

Fray Luis's famous words are remembered throughout Spain to this day and encompass the Spanish understanding of time. The Spanish concept of time is one of a relaxed disdain for the hour, day or year. Compared to the fast paced culture and rigid schedule of the United States, Spain's hours of work and play are relaxed and flexible. Most stores open no sooner than 9 or 10 in the morning and close for up to 3 hours for the afternoon siesta. Visitors soon discover the benefits of Spain's siesta because, although most shops close around 7 or 8 p.m., the Spanish waking hours often last far into the small hours of the morning.

This is not to say that the Spanish do not keep a schedule. Indeed, foreign students soon learn that Spain's relaxed schedule does not extend to her places of learning. However, Fray Luis's indifference toward the time lost due to his unjust imprisonment is the same as a Spaniard's indifference toward the conventional hours of work and play. Time is not money here; time is a commodity meant to be savored.