Fall, also called autumn, is the season between summer and winter marked by cooler weather, shorter days, and colorful foliage. It officially begins with the autumnal equinox around September 22-23 and ends with the winter solstice in late December.
Leaves change color due to pigments called carotenoids and anthocyanins, which become visible as chlorophyll breaks down with less sunlight. Red maple leaves get their color from anthocyanins, while yellows come from carotenoids. The timing and intensity of fall colors depend on temperature, sunlight, and soil moisture.
| Activity | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Picking | Visiting orchards to pick fresh apples and enjoy cider | Families, couples |
| Pumpkin Carving | Creating designs in pumpkins, often for Halloween | Kids, artists |
| Hiking | Exploring trails to see fall foliage | Nature lovers, photographers |
Many believe fall always starts on September 1, but astronomically, it begins with the autumnal equinox. Another myth is that all leaves turn red-they actually display a spectrum of colors depending on the tree species and environmental factors.
The term "autumn" comes from the Old French autompne, while "fall" may refer to the falling of leaves. Pumpkin spice lattes became popular in the early 2000s, though pumpkin as a flavor dates back to colonial America. Daylight saving time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to save candles.
I once visited Vermont in peak foliage season, and the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows stretched as far as the eye could see. The air smelled of woodsmoke and apple cider, making it the perfect setting for fall activities like hiking and leaf peeping.
Countries like Germany celebrate Oktoberfest, a beer festival held in late summer and early fall. Japan's momijigari involves viewing fall foliage, similar to cherry blossom viewing in spring. In Colombia, the Feria de las Flores takes place in Medellín during the fall season.