ajanvaihto

Ajanvaihto is a Finnish term that translates directly to "time change" or "time shift." It generally refers to the practice of adjusting clocks forward or backward by an hour to take advantage of seasonal daylight. This is commonly known as daylight saving time in many English-speaking countries. Finland has observed this practice annually, typically in the spring and autumn. The purpose of ajanvaihto is to make better use of daylight during warmer months by extending daylight into the evening hours, and to save energy.

The concept of adjusting clocks to align with daylight hours has been implemented in various forms throughout history. Finland adopted permanent daylight saving time in 1981, following a trend that had been growing across Europe. The transition usually occurs on the last Sunday of March, when clocks are moved forward one hour, and again on the last Sunday of October, when they are moved back. While proponents argue for its benefits in energy saving and increased leisure time during daylight, the practice has also faced criticism regarding potential disruptions to sleep patterns and health. The debate over the necessity and impact of ajanvaihto continues in Finland and many other countries that observe similar time changes.