Language of the Day: Autumnal
The leaves are starting to change colour and there’s a chill in the air which means Autumn is officially here! Today we’ll learn about some fun phrases that are associated with this cool and colourful season!
Although most people have mixed feeling about summer being over, the cooler days and nights create the perfect conditions to spend more time indoors and create a cozy ambiance. This is the season of hot drinks, fluffy blankets, fireplaces, and a snuggling up with a good book!
Below are some cultural phrases that are specific to the environment and feelings that Autumn (or Fall) evokes:
“Life is a gourd” - This phrase is actually a pun! A pun is the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound. This play on words uses the word “gourd” (in place of the word “good”) which is actually a type of pumpkin or squash that is synonymous with the fall!
“sweater weather” - The thought of wearing a sweater in the summer is very unappealing, but that changes once the weather cools down, and sweaters, blankets, scarves, and gloves become a source of comfort! You may hear someone say, “I’m so glad it’s finally sweater weather!” or “I just went shopping to buy a new coat and a scarf for sweater weather.”
“pumpkin spice” - People tend to either love or hate pumpkin spice lattes and other pumpkin spice flavoured things! This polarizing drink has become a bit of a cliché but we can’t deny that pumpkin spice symbolizing all of the flavours and fragrances of Autumn.
*A cliché is a saying, idea, or element that has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, even to the point of being weird, irritating, or bland, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful, amusing or novel.
Autumn Equinox
The official first day of Autumn is on “fall equinox” (also known as “autumn equinox.”) This year fall equinox will occur on Sunday, September 22nd according to Pacific standard Time.
”During the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun moves precisely above the equator, and the sun's path and the celestial equator align while the sun heads South. When this happens, the length of night and day are exactly the same.”
The commonly used word “equal” has the same root as the word “equinox,” and there are two equinoxes every year with Spring Equinox signifying the first day of spring in March!
Autumn is also associated with back-to-school season in Canada, not only because schools usually re-open in September, but also because the fall is the perfect time to go more inward and focus on studying and learning new skills!
What are some of your favourite things about the seasons changing?!