It is said that time is man-made, created by humans to track events and sequences. There is a global agreement on how time is tracked based on clocks and calendars; however, this agreement does not apply in Lebanon, where even time is observed on the country’s own terms.
Forget everything you once learned in your science class about minutes and days, and take a look at the 6 ways time is perceived differently in Lebanon:
1. Ijet el Kahraba
If you can hear grandiose celebrations accompanied with the word “ijet”, then keep in mind that it’s either 6 or 12 o’clock.
Electricity cuts and rationing in Lebanon have left their mark on entire generations. No matter where you are, you’ll always know whether it’s 6 or 12, because that's usually when the power goes out or returns.
2. "5 d2aye2"
It's certainly become the ultimate answer to most questions. There even is a sort of unspoken agreement on the fact that “5 d2aye2” (five minutes) aren't really 5 at all.
In Lebanon, “5 d2aye2“ can range from anywhere between the actual 5 minutes to maybe even the next day. But no matter how much time it will really take you to get that task done, “5 d2aye2” will always be your go-to answer.
3. Everyone turns out to have been at the site of an accident just "a moment ago"
Lebanese feed on adventure and action; we refuse to live otherwise.
No matter where or when an accident takes place, you will discover that most your friends will say that they were just there “a moment ago.” They will broadcast it all over social media and praise God for their survival.
That moment could range from anywhere between 10 minutes to 24 hours. Take your pick.
4. Confused AF roosters
Bizarre time-tracking in Lebanon is not only limited to its citizens but also to its roosters.
Only in Lebanon will you hear roosters crow during the odd hours of the night... or even in the afternoon.
5. Lying about parking the car for a “d2ee2a”
Finding a parking spot is close to a miracle, especially in Beirut. That’s why when you do finally find one, you hold onto it so tight, to the point that when the security guy comes and asks you to park it elsewhere, you’ll most probably respond with “d2ee2a" (just one minute!).
Of course, as previously mentioned, the concept of a minute differs a whole lot over here than from the rest of the world.
6. The crazy rush hours
And of course, let's not forget about Lebanon’s insane rush hours. One day a 100 meters stretch will take you a minute to pass, the next and depending on the time, it might take you anywhere from 1 hour to half a day!
Just stay calm and count to ten, because you'll definitely need to keep your cool!