Farmers used the position of the sun relative to mountain ridges, trees, or specially placed stones. For example, in Kakheti, shepherds knew it was noon when a certain rock’s shadow touched a specific stream.
Events were scheduled relative to holidays: “three days after St. George’s” or “just before Lent.” This linked time to spiritual life, not abstract numbers. tamashebis gadmowera
Time wasn’t uniform: winter hours were shorter (less work outdoors), summer hours longer. A “day” was from sunrise to sunset, divided into tasks (e.g., “time to plow two furrows”). Farmers used the position of the sun relative
Since I can’t browse the internet directly, I’ll summarize a compelling angle based on ethnographic and historical sources: The Hidden Clock: How Georgians Measured Time Before Watches George’s” or “just before Lent
Monasteries rang bells for prayers (Matins, Vespers). Villagers set their day by these rings: “Third bell” meant midday rest, “sixth bell” signaled evening milking.
“When the cows return downhill” meant late afternoon. “When goats seek shade” was the hottest hour. Such observations were passed down orally.