FALL IS FINALLY HERE -- OR -- IS IT?

“Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.” - William Cullen Bryant

I am writing this on the first day of Fall or Autumn, as some would say. The calendar says it is Fall, but the weather still feels like summer! I am still wearing my summer clothes and am so looking forward to wearing my sweaters and long sleeves.

It is hard for me to believe that it is already fall. There are many beautiful trees in my neighborhood, yet all of them are still green. Don’t get me wrong, the landscape is gorgeous, and it is a joy to look out my window and see the beauty God has given us. However, I am ready for the beauty of Fall.

Fall is my favorite season of the year, the turning of the colors. Trees full of yellow, brown, red, and gold leaves bring a smile to my face. The gentle breeze fills the days with some coolness, and the change of seasons brings new clothing. (I love getting to change my wardrobe over to sweaters and long sleeves.) Also, there are fun celebrations, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.

I asked ChatGPT and found the following history on Fall. I thought I would share it!

🌎 This Season in History

• Ancient civilizations tracked the year by agricultural cycles. Fall was the season of harvest, a time of gathering crops and preparing for winter.

• The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain (pronounced sow-in) at the end of October, marking the transition from the light half of the year to the dark half. Many Halloween traditions trace back to this.

• In Greece and Rome, autumn was tied to myths of Persephone and Demeter (Greek) and Ceres (Roman), symbolizing the dying of plants before rebirth in spring.

  
  

📖 The Word "Fall" vs. "Autumn"

• Autumn comes from the Latin autumnus, appearing in English around the 1300s.

• Fall originated in England during the 1500s, short for “fall of the leaf.”

• After English colonists moved to North America, “fall” became more popular there, while Britain continued to favor “autumn.”

• Today, Americans typically say "fall," while the British say "autumn"—both are correct.

  
  

🍁 Symbolism of Fall

• Harvest and Gratitude – Historically, people celebrated with feasts (like harvest festivals and, later, Thanksgiving in the U.S.).

• Transition – Fall marks the equinoctial balance (equal day and night) before days shorten.

• Letting Go – Across cultures, autumn symbolizes maturity, reflection, and release (like trees shedding leaves).

  
  

🏛 Historical Celebrations of Fall

• Harvest Festival (England) – dating back to pagan times, thanking God for crops.

• Moon Festival (China) – mid-autumn celebration with mooncakes, rooted in centuries of tradition.

• Oktoberfest (Germany) – originally a fall wedding celebration in 1810, now a world-famous festival.

  
  

👉 So “fall” isn’t just a season—it’s tied to ancient rituals, farming cycles, and even language differences between the U.S. and U.K.

I found the history very interesting, and I learned a few new things.

During this season, take some time to walk around the block, take a drive, and enjoy the lovely colors and the beauty of Fall.

Enjoy this season!

Have a great week!!