Why Are We So Attracted To Sunrises and Sunsets?

Why are we so attracted to Sunrises and Sunsets?

I was reading a post by Kathy Streib this morning and I realized that I'm a sucker for any post that includes pictures of sunrises or sunsets. I started wondering what the heck is it that so attracts me to the photos and maybe even more so to the actual event.

If you're anything like me, when I see the sky turn an incredible magenta or violet, I'm running for my camera and I'm calling the family over to share it with them. Maybe not so much at 5:30 in the morning, but you get the idea!

Some might say it's the unbelievable mix of colors that fills the eye and gives one a sense of a pleasant harmony. I don't pretend to be an artist, but I know that certain colors that are near one another on the color wheel or opposite one another resonate within our brains. Maybe that's it.

Others might say it's symbolic of life. The darkness falls away and a new day is born. It gives hope because everyday is different and offers new promise. Sunsets may give us a sense of completeness that time is passing and it's time to rest. Think of the song Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof. Yikes, this is getting heavy!!

For many people there's a spiritual component to a beautiful and amazing sunrise or sunset. It makes us feel in awe of something so big that all can see it... The Creator is reminding us that we're not in control. Maybe He's just "showing off"! (I mean that in a good way!)

Whether I'm in Key West taking pictures of the sun dipping into the ocean at sunset or on my front porch watching the sunrise, I'm always amazed at what we are priviledged to witness. For me, I guess it's a mixture of all those things I mentioned and probably a lot more!

What is it for you? Why are we so attracted to Sunrises and Sunsets?