Defining The Season.

Every season holds a certain kind of significance, perhaps even magic, which distinguish it from the three others. Fall is no exception. There are certain characteristics to this time of the year, making it a very distinct period in time.

I have grown to love autumn. It used to be an unwanted prelude to the dreaded winter, but today I enjoy its splendor. Perhaps I identify in some way with this season, as it somewhat reflects my own status, the way I stand on the verge of the summer's end and am about to enter the autumn of my life.

Here is a list of ten distinctive events that define this glorious season for me:

1) Turning Of The Foliage.
As soon as the leaves start turning the trees and bushes into every shade of golden, red and brown, I know autumn has arrived. I love colour and to be suddenly almost part of a painted scenery is magical in more way than one.

2) Scent Of Smokes From Burning Fires.
The air becomes saturated from the burning of firewood, that brings a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. But there is also another apparent scent of burning of the fields and autumn leaves. This scent has been around as long as I can remember and as soon as it fills the air, it can take me back in time to the autumns of my childhood, if I only close my eyes...

3) Autumn Storms.
Rain and wind riping through trees without mercy - the Scandinavian storms are like no other. And only the citizens of the North can clearly appreciate them. Some relish in the power of nature and its manifestation at rugged shores of the west, where seas are high and winds forceful.

4) Dark Evenings.
The light vanishes as if by a stroke of magic. Each day feels shorter and the sun lies low on the horizon, turning the daylight into the hues of orange. It sets earlier and earlier each day, submerging us in darkness already in the late afternoons until it disappears almost completely.

5) The Return Of Candlelight.
My favorite fall event. I love candles, mostly as I love the quality of light they create. Everything looks beautiful and magical by candlelight and to a certain degree, candles equal tranquility. Every evening the flickering of the flames helps me to wind down after a busy day.

6) Fall Produce.
Growing up in Sweden, the autumns meant family weekend excursions to forests to pick mushrooms, but also to private farms and fruit tree orchards, where we were allowed to pick fruit to take with us home. We picked apples, pears, plums and of course, corn cobs and enjoyed being together in beautiful surroundings. The taste of such fresh produce picked and eaten on the same day simply can not be described.

7) Autumn Cuisine.
When the summer departs, and the cold and windy days arrive, I long for the hardy and rich Scandinavian autumn food. Stews and hot soups are my favorite, but I love "Brændende Kærlighed", which translates something as "Burning Love". It certainly tastes very good.

8) Nature Walks.
There is something different about taking a walk in an autumn forest. Whether it is during a beautiful sunny afternoon, when the sky is blue in deep contrast to the golden foliage, or whether it is in the misty mornings and during foggy days, feeling the fallen leaves rustle under ones feet, invoking a film noir experience. The enchantment of the season is ever so present, enticing our mind and soul, and filling our heart with a sense of sweet melancholy.

9) Hot Or Strong Drinks In Front Of The Fire.
The absolute best, after returning from a long autumn walk is to light the fire an enjoy its warm glow in good company of people we love and - with hot drinks. Or strong drinks for that matter. I personally prefer something strong that warms me from within, while the flames warm my face and make my mind wander.

10) Halloween.
The tradition of Halloween has become very special to me over the years. I guess due to the fact that it embodies the intriguing and mystical in life; it holds a magical enchantment based on Celtic traditions, it brings light into a dark season, it represents time of harvest and it certainly signifies the imminence of the Holiday Season.

What feelings or sentiments does autumn invoke in you?