The Colors of Fall: Exploring the Facts, Trivia and Significance of Autumn

Autumn, also known as fall in North America, is the season that comes after summer and before winter. It is a time of year when the leaves on the trees change color, the days get shorter, and the weather becomes cooler.

Facts about Autumn

1. Autumn is the season when the days start to get shorter and the nights start to get longer.
2. The autumn equinox, also known as the September equinox, marks the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. The autumn equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator, meaning that the day and night are of equal length.
4. During autumn, the temperature starts to drop as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. The average temperature in the Northern Hemisphere during autumn is between 10-15C (50-59F).
5. Autumn is a season of harvest, as many crops such as apples, pears, pumpkins, and grapes are harvested during this time.

Foliage

1. One of the most iconic symbols of autumn is the changing of the leaves. As the days get shorter, the trees start to prepare for winter by shutting down the production of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color.
2. As the chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments in the leaves such as carotenoids and anthocyanins become visible. These pigments give the leaves their characteristic orange, yellow, and red colors.
3. Not all trees change color in autumn. Coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, keep their needles all year round and do not change color.

Animals

1. Many animals also start to prepare for winter during the autumn season. Birds begin to migrate south for the winter, while mammals such as bears and squirrels start to store food for the winter.
2. Autumn is also the mating season for many animals, such as deer and elk.

Trivia

1. The word “autumn” comes from the Latin word “autumnus,” which means “the season of the harvest.”
2. In ancient China, autumn was seen as a time of balance and harmony, as it was believed to be the time when yin and yang were in balance.
3. In Japan, autumn is known as “shokuyoku no aki” which means “the season of appetite.” Many traditional Japanese foods are enjoyed during this season, such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and persimmons.
4. The traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Japan’s Tsukimi, also known as the “Moon Viewing Festival,” are both celebrated during the autumn season.
5. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated in November, which is considered the end of the autumn season.
6. Pumpkin spice, a popular flavor associated with autumn, is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Activities

1. Autumn is a popular season for outdoor activities such as apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and visiting corn mazes.
2. Many people also enjoy hiking and camping during the autumn, as the cooler weather and colorful foliage make for a beautiful setting.
3. Autumn is also a popular time for festivals, such as Oktoberfest in Germany, and the New England foliage tours.

And, finally, to conclude.

Autumn is a season of change, from shorter days and longer nights to the changing of the leaves and the harvest of crops. It is a season that is rich in cultural and historical significance, from the ancient Chinese belief in balance and harmony to the modern-day celebrations of Thanksgiving and pumpkin spice. Whether it’s enjoying the colorful foliage, participating in outdoor activities, or attending festivals, autumn is a season to be savored and celebrated.