Jonah Patel
An Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather that occurs in autumn in the northern hemisphere. The term has been used for centuries, first recorded in a letter by Frenchman John de Crevecoeur in 1778. The exact origins of the phrase are unclear, but it is speculated to refer to the hazy autumn conditions that allowed Native Americans to hunt. The term is commonly used in North America and Europe, with many countries having traditional outdoor festivals during this time. While it is often associated with positive experiences, some consider the phrase inappropriate due to its potential racial connotations.
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What You'll Learn
The phenomenon is known by different names in different parts of the world
The phenomenon of an Indian summer is known by different names in different parts of the world. In the United States, it is sometimes referred to as a "'Second Summer', a term used by the American Meteorological Society. The British and Europeans use the term "St. Martin's Summer", referencing St. Martin's Day on November 11, the official start of these warm spells.
In Sweden, the phenomenon is called "Brittsommar", derived from the names "Birgitta" and "Britta", whose name days are around October 7. In Finland, it is called "intiaanikesä", a direct translation from English, but was historically named after Bartholomew, whose saint day is in late August. In Irish, it is called "fómhar beag na ngéanna", meaning "little autumn of the geese". In Spain, it is known as "el veranillo del membrillo", or "little summer of the quince tree".
In Bulgaria, an Indian summer is known as "gypsy summer" or "poor man's summer", and in Serbia, it is called "Miholjsko leto", as Saint Michael or "Miholjdan" is celebrated on October 12. In Latvia, the term used is "atvasara", and in the Netherlands, it is called "nazomer", both of which translate to "late summer".
The term "Indian summer" has been used for centuries, with the earliest reference found in a letter written in 1778 by J. Hector St. John de Crevecœur, an American Farmer. However, the exact origins of the term are uncertain, with various theories suggesting it may be related to Native American practices or the hazy conditions caused by their campfires.
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The term Indian summer is considered inappropriate by some
The term "Indian Summer" has been used for centuries to describe a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather in autumn, particularly in October and November, in the northern hemisphere. While the exact origins of the term are unclear, it is speculated that it may be associated with the Native American hunting season or the warm and hazy conditions that facilitated their hunting activities. Other theories suggest that early American settlers may have misinterpreted the sight of sun rays through hazy autumn air as Native American campfires, coining the term "Indian summer."
However, in recent times, the term "Indian Summer" has come under scrutiny for its potential insensitivity. Some individuals argue that the phrase is inappropriate and should be avoided, particularly in 2024. They suggest using alternative terms such as "Corn pudding" or "Second Summer" instead. This sentiment arises from a recognition of the contributions and culture of Indigenous peoples and a desire to move away from potentially offensive language.
The connection between the term "Indian Summer" and the phrase "Indian giver" has been highlighted, with the latter being considered pejorative due to its implication of taking back gifts. Additionally, there is a suggestion that the term "Indian Summer" may be inappropriate given the historical context of the word "Indian" in North America. This could refer to the complex and often tragic history of Native American communities and their interactions with European settlers.
While some people continue to use the term "Indian Summer" without intending any offense, others prefer to use more neutral terminology to describe the weather phenomenon. "Second Summer," as used by the American Meteorological Society, and "St. Martin's Summer," a term used in Europe, are provided as more appropriate alternatives. These terms effectively describe the weather phenomenon without potentially causing discomfort or perpetuating negative connotations.
It is worth noting that some individuals do not find the term "Indian Summer" offensive, and there are varying perspectives on the matter. However, given the sensitivity surrounding the history of Native American communities and the ongoing efforts to promote cultural sensitivity, some individuals choose to refrain from using the term "Indian Summer."
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The weather conditions during an Indian summer
The Met Office Meteorological Glossary defines an Indian summer as "a warm, calm spell of weather occurring in autumn, especially in October and November". This definition is consistent with observations by weather historian William R. Deedler, who described an Indian summer as "any spell of warm, quiet, hazy weather that may occur in October or November".
However, there is some variation in the specific weather conditions associated with an Indian summer. Some sources claim that it occurs after the first frost of autumn or a period of severely cold weather, known as a "Squaw Winter". This belief is reflected in the saying, "If All Saints’ (November 1) brings out winter, St. Martin’s brings out Indian summer."
In addition to the temperature and timing, the calm and hazy atmospheric conditions are also characteristic of an Indian summer. John James Audubon, in his journal entry from November 20, 1820, described the "constant Smoky atmosphere" during this period, which he attributed to Native Americans firing the prairies.
Indian summers are considered a time to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the sunshine before the arrival of winter. They are often associated with traditional outdoor festivals in countries like England, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, held in the week leading up to St. Martin's Day on November 11.
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The origins of the term Indian summer
The term "Indian Summer" has been used for centuries to refer to a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather in autumn in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. While the exact origins of the phrase are uncertain, there are several theories about how it came to be associated with this weather phenomenon.
One theory suggests that the term originated from the Native American practice of setting prairie fires during the autumn season. The haze caused by these fires, combined with the warm weather, created the conditions typically associated with an Indian summer. This theory is supported by the writings of John James Audubon, who mentioned the "constant smoky atmosphere" and attributed it to "Indians, firing the Prairies of the West."
Another theory suggests that the term may have originated from the belief of the Narragansett people, located in the northeastern United States. They believed that the warm weather during Indian summer was caused by a warm wind sent from the court of their southwestern god, Cautantowwit, or the "great spirit."
A third theory posits that early American settlers mistook the sun's rays shining through the hazy autumn air for Native American campfires, thus coining the term "Indian summer." This theory is based on the idea that the warm weather provided an opportunity for Native Americans to increase their winter stores through hunting and harvesting.
The term "Indian Summer" was first used in the United States in an essay by J. Hector St. John de Crevecœur, also known as Michel-Guillaume-Jean de Crèvecoeur, around 1778. The phrase gained widespread usage in the UK in the early 19th century, with the first recorded use in The Guardian in 1837.
In summary, while the exact origins of the term "Indian Summer" remain uncertain, it is clear that the phrase has been used for centuries to describe a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather in autumn, particularly in the eastern and central states of the USA. The various theories about its origins highlight the potential influence of Native American practices, beliefs, and cultural contributions to the terminology used to describe this unique weather phenomenon.
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The term's literary and historical usage
The term "Indian Summer" has been used for centuries to describe a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather in autumn in the northern hemisphere, particularly in North America and Europe. While the exact origins of the phrase are uncertain, it is believed to be associated with Native Americans and the warm and hazy conditions during their hunting season.
In literature and history, the term "Indian Summer" has been used metaphorically to convey different meanings. For example, in Van Wyck Brooks' book "New England: Indian Summer" (1940), the term symbolises a period of inconsistency, infertility, and depleted capabilities, resembling an earlier season of actual strength. The title suggests that New England experienced a false or imitation summer, similar to the idea of a false" gift in the pejorative term "Indian giver". This interpretation of the phrase "Indian Summer" has been deemed inappropriate and offensive by some due to its potential reference to negative stereotypes of Native Americans.
William Dean Howells' 1886 novel, "Indian Summer", uses the term in a different light. In this context, "Indian Summer" represents a time when one can recover the happiness of youth, suggesting a positive and hopeful tone to the phrase.
In British English, the term "Indian Summer" is used similarly to its usage in North America. It was first introduced in the early 19th century and has since become widely adopted. The concept of warm autumn spells was already present in the UK before the introduction of this term, often associated with Saint Martin's Summer, referencing St. Martin's Day on November 11.
The usage of the phrase "Indian Summer" has been questioned and debated in recent times due to its potential cultural insensitivity. Some people suggest using alternative terms such as "Second Summer", acknowledging the contributions and preferences of Indigenous peoples.
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Frequently asked questions
An Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
The exact origins of the term are uncertain. One theory is that it was so-called because it was first noted in regions inhabited by Native Americans. Another theory is that the Native Americans first described it to Europeans. A third theory is that it was named so because of the warm and hazy conditions in autumn when Native Americans hunted.
Yes, there is a connection between the term 'Indian summer' and the Native Americans. Native-American legends mention a god or "Life-Giver" who bestowed warm autumnal weather on various warriors or peoples, enabling them to survive after great misfortune, such as loss of crops.
An Indian summer is said to occur in October or November, after the first frost of autumn.
The term 'Indian summer' has been widely used for centuries. However, some people now consider it inappropriate due to the history of the term 'Indian' in North America. Alternative terms include ''Second Summer' and 'St. Martin's Summer'.
