Autumn is the season between summer and winter, also known as fall in North America. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn starts in September and ends in November. In the Southern Hemisphere, autumn starts in March and ends in May.
The word “autumn” comes from the Latin word “autumnus,” which means “the falling of the leaves.” he word “fall” comes from the Old English word “feallan,” which also means “to fall.” In North America, autumn is more commonly referred to as fall because of the leaves falling from trees during this season.
So, why is autumn called “fall” in some places? It’s because the leaves of trees fall down during this season. This is because the days get shorter and the nights get longer, which means that there is less sunlight for the trees to make food. When the trees don’t have enough food, they shed their leaves to conserve energy.
Autumn is a beautiful season with many different colors. The leaves of the trees change color from green to yellow, orange, and red, making it a great time to go for walks in the woods and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This is also a great time to harvest crops, such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and pumpkins.
Here are some other fun facts about autumn:
The autumnal equinox is the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night equal in length. This happens on September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere and March 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere.
The first day of autumn is called “Mabon” in Celtic cultures. Mabon is a harvest festival that celebrates the abundance of the harvest season.
In the United States, autumn is a popular time for pumpkin picking, apple picking, and hayrides.
Why Is Autumn Called Fall in North America?
In North America, autumn usually begins with the equinox of September and ends with the winter solstice on December 21 or 22. This is because the days get shorter and the nights get longer in September, which is a sign that summer is coming to an end.
The word “autumn” comes from the Latin word “autumnus,” which means “the falling of the leaves.” However, in North America, The word “fall” is more commonly used in North America to refer to this season than the word “autumn.” This is because the leaves of trees fall down during this season, which is a very noticeable change in the landscape.
The first day of autumn in North America is often associated with the Labor Day holiday, which is the first Monday in September. This holiday marks the end of the summer vacation season and the beginning of the school year.
In addition to the changing of the leaves, autumn is also a time for harvest festivals. People in North America often celebrate the harvest season by picking apples, pumpkins, and other fruits and vegetables. They also enjoy activities such as hayrides, apple bobbing, and corn mazes.
The Origin of the Word “Fall” for Autumn
The word “fall” for autumn originated in England in the 1500s. It is thought to come from the phrase “the fall of the leaves,” which refers to the fact that leaves fall from trees during this season. The word “autumn” comes from the Latin word “autumnus,” which also means “the falling of the leaves.”
Also the word “fall” became more popular than “autumn” in England in the 1700s. This is because the English language was changing at this time, and the word “fall” was more in line with the way that other seasons were named. For example, the other seasons are called “spring,” “summer,” and “winter,” and none of these words have Latin roots.
When the English settlers came to North America in the 17th century, they brought the word “fall” with them. The word “autumn” was still used in North America, but it was less common than “fall.” Today, the word “fall” is the most common word used to refer to autumn in North America.
The Etymology of Autumn
The word “autumn” comes from the ancient Etruscan root autu-, which means “the passing of the year.” The word was borrowed by the neighboring Romans and soon became the Latin word autumnus. The word remained in use in ancient Europe after Roman rule.
In the Middle Ages, the word “autumn” was changed to the Old French word autompne (automne is still used in modern French) or autumpne in Middle English. It was later normalized to the original Latin. In the Middle Ages, there are rare examples of its use from the 12th century, but by the 16th century it was in general use and the word became more common.
Before the 16th century, the word “harvest” was the term commonly used to denote the season, as it is in other ancient West Germanic languages to this day (cf. Dutch herfst, and in German Herbst and Scottish hairst). As more farmers gradually moved from the country to the city, the word “harvest” lost its reference to the time of year and referred only to harvesting on the land itself.
Alternative word “fall
The alternative word “fall” for the season has its origins in the ancient Germanic languages. The Old English words fiæll or feallan and Old Norse fall all have the same meaning “to fall from a height” and are clearly derived from a common word. The term “fall” came to denote the season in 16th century England, a contraction of Middle English expressions such as “fall of the leaf” and “fall of the year.”
By the 17th century, emigration from England to the British colonies in America was at its peak, and these settlers took the English language with them. As the term “autumn” became less and less used in England, it became the more common term in North America.
The word “autumn” is the more common term in the United Kingdom and Ireland, while the word “fall” is the more common term in North America. Both words are still used in both regions, but “fall” is more commonly used in North America..
The First Harvest
Autumn is the season of the first harvest. In many cultures, this is a time of celebration, with festivals and feasts to mark the abundance of the harvest.
In Western cultures, autumn is often personified as a beautiful, well-fed woman, adorned with grains, vegetables, and fruits. This image is reflected in the well-known poem “To Autumn” by English poet John Keats, in which he describes the season as a time of abundant fertility and a time of “gentle fruitfulness.”
Some of the most popular autumn festivals include Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada, Sukkot in Judaism, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. These festivals all celebrate the harvest and the bounty of the earth.
In addition to festivals, autumn is also a time for harvesting crops. Some of the most common crops harvested in autumn include corn, soybeans, wheat, and pumpkins. Apples are also a popular autumn crop, and they are often used to make apple cider and other apple products.
The first harvest of the season usually happens in late summer or early autumn. The exact timing of the harvest depends on the crop and the climate. For example, corn is usually harvested in late summer, while apples are usually harvested in early autumn.
The first harvest is a time of celebration and gratitude for the abundance of the earth. It is also a time to reflect on the hard work that went into growing and harvesting the crops.
Where to Find the Most Colorful Autumn Foliage in the World
- New England, USA
- Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
- Canadian Rocky Mountains
- Lake District, England
- Katsuyama, Japan
New England is famous for its colorful autumn foliage, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Some of the best places to see the leaves change color in New England include Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China that is known for its stunning alpine scenery and colorful autumn foliage. The valley is home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and pines, which all turn different colors in the fall.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are another great place to see colorful autumn foliage. The mountains are home to a variety of trees, including aspens, birches, and poplars, which all turn bright yellows and oranges in the fall.
The Lake District is a beautiful region in England that is known for its lakes, mountains, and forests. The leaves in the Lake District change color in the fall, creating a stunning display of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Katsuyama is a small town in Japan that is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. The town is home to a variety of maple trees, which turn bright reds and oranges in the fall.
5 Poems to Celebrate the Beauty of Autumn
“To Autumn” by John Keats:
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.
“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost:
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
“Autumn” by William Wordsworth:
Seasons return, but not to me returns
Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn;
But Autumn, lingering, still prolongs
Her mellow influence: to the woods and fields
She gives her richness; and the clouds, that hang
Like amber in the lustre of the sun,
Emblaze with many a tint the western sky.
“When Icicles Hang by the Wall” by Emily Dickinson:
When icicles hang by the wall,
And Dick the shepherd blows his nail,
And Tom bears his pitcher to the well,
And Mary her gown to haul,
When bridges are hung with silver hair,
And all the world is crystal-clear,
And I a little maid was there,
Hearing the winter’s song,
Then, oh, the north wind was my foe,
And winter kept me all alone;
But now the sun is bright and low,
And I am happy, happy, lone.
These are just a few of the many famous autumn poems. If you’re looking for a poem to celebrate the season, be sure to check out one of these works.
The Oldest Name for Fall or Autumn
The oldest name for fall or autumn in English is harvest. It comes from the Old English word hærfest, which means “picking, plucking.” This makes sense because fall is the time when farmers harvest their crops.
The word harvest is still used today to describe the time when crops are harvested, but it is no longer the most common name for fall or autumn. Today, the most common names for fall or autumn are fall and autumn.
Why is autumn the end of the summer holiday?
Autumn is the end of the summer holiday for many children because it is the time when they go back to school. This is why you often see “Back to School” advertising and preparations in the weeks leading up to autumn.
The start of a new school year can be exciting for children, but it can also be a bit daunting. After all, it means saying goodbye to summer vacation and hello to homework and exams. But it’s also a time for new beginnings and learning new things.
Why is Autumn a popular name for girls?
The name Autumn is a popular name for girls because it is beautiful, unique, and has a positive meaning. It is also associated with the season of autumn, which is a time of beauty and change.
The name Autumn first became popular in the United States in the 1990s. It is now one of the top 100 names for girls in the United States. The name is also popular in other countries, such as England, Canada, and Australia.
If you are looking for a beautiful, unique, and meaningful name for your daughter, Autumn is a great choice.
What is the meaning of Autumn in Indian mythology?
In Indian mythology, autumn is a time of learning and growth. It is the season when the goddess of learning, Saraswati, is said to be most active. Saraswati is also known as the “goddess of autumn” (Sharada), and she is often depicted with a book or a lute.
What is the meaning of Autumn in Asian mysticism?
In Asian mysticism, autumn is associated with the element of metal, the color white, the White Tiger of the West, and death and mourning. The metal element is associated with strength, power, and determination. The color white is associated with purity, peace, and new beginnings. The White Tiger of the West is a powerful guardian spirit. Death and mourning are a natural part of the cycle of life, and autumn is a time to reflect on the past and prepare for the future.
When Does Autumn Start?
The official start of autumn depends on whether you’re using the meteorological or astronomical definition. Meteorological autumn starts on September 1st, while astronomical autumn starts on September 22nd or 23rd. This year, astronomical autumn will start on September 23rd at 3:04 AM ET.
The difference between the two definitions is due to the way they measure the seasons. Meteorological seasons are based on the Gregorian calendar, while astronomical seasons are based on the position of the sun.
Meteorologists use meteorological seasons because they are more convenient for tracking weather patterns. Astronomical seasons are more accurate for tracking the changing of the seasons, but they are not as convenient for everyday use.
Does Meteorological Autumn Start in Summer?
Meteorological autumn starts on September 1st, even though it is still summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This is because meteorologists use a different definition of the seasons than astronomers.
Meteorologists divide the year into four seasons of three months each: spring (March, April, and May), summer (June, July, and August), autumn (September, October, and November), and winter (December, January, and February). This makes it easier for them to track weather patterns and make predictions.
Astronomers, on the other hand, define the seasons based on the position of the sun. The start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere is when the sun reaches the autumnal equinox, which is around September 22nd or 23rd.
So, while meteorological autumn starts on September 1st, astronomical autumn does not start until a few weeks later. This can be confusing, but it is important to remember that the two definitions are based on different criteria.
Learn more about the seasons on our weather education page.
For more information on the word “fall,” visit the Cambridge English Dictionary.