October 13, 2009

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?

24 comments:

Blogaire said...

Sometimes we would be asked to write an essay at school and I would be racking my brain trying to come up with an idea, but you must have been good at school essays Protege! You are very observant and you sum up Autumn so perfectly, all those things I can identify with, but didn't realize there were so many positive things about this season.

julochka said...

i love all those things too...and we're going to the west coast at the end of the week, hoping to experience that wind and wildness. and then warm up afterwards with candles and one of those drinks that warms from within. i love fall. :-)

Reasons said...

A lovely post Zuzana. I agree with all your sentiments and I also find Autumn a little romantic and exciting but also twinged with a little sadness. It's something about the wrapping up warm and the cosiness but also those frosty mornings make me a little blue.

MsTypo said...

I love autumn. It's so pretty and colourful. And you're right about the food. :) In fall you can start making stews and soups and yummy comfort food like that. :)

Brian Miller said...

i felt it for the first time yesterday walking out of the book store...that cool dampness in the air that precludes snow...we did not get any snow of course, but...that taste on the air....i love it!

Keith said...

Hey Protege. Great post. I agree with you on all these items. I do love the changing colors on the leaves. I find that so beautiful. Halloween is also something I've always enjoyed. It's finally starting to feel like fall here.

Claus said...

Autumn, as you know, does not really exist in Guatemala, but by learning how Autumn is and how people experience it in those parts of the world where there are 4 marked seasons, I have grown to liked it, and have created my very own Fall Season: Halloween, soup time!, a slight change in weather, pine-cones season, and that burning smell in the air you were talking about. I was suprised about it, because it is a distinctive aroma in the air at this time of year also here in Guatemala.

Great and lovely Autumn list Zuzana!!

Anonymous said...

I love autumn...

G said...

I love that Burning Love... what's not to love if it contains potatoes and bacon and onions, oh my!

Great list Protege. I have the candles out now in full force.

Shelly's Style Shop said...

I love autumn. I love the colors, the candles, the scent of smoke from burning trees, nature walks, STRONG drinks in front of the fire, and especially Halloween.

Great post. ;-) I hope you are having a wonderful day.

xoxo, Shelly

Unknown said...

You have captured my own thoughts on Autumn beautifully!

Stacey J. Warner said...

What a wonderful post...I was just thinking about how much I love burning candles now that fall has arrived and I can cook again (in the Summer it's too hot in LA)...

Please stop by sometime...I think you will feel at home...

much love

United Studies said...

I agree with you on everything but the storms in Denmark! I am not a fan of those! But you are so correct that only those that live in Scandinavia can truly understand how powerful they are.

But otherwise, this post very beautifully summed up why I love Autumn.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A wonderful post - I can only agree wholeheartedly with all those sentiments, I especially love candlelight and sweet-smelling logs on the fire. It's getting closer to Christmas too which I also love!

Jeanne x

Phivos Nicolaides said...

I have grown to love summer!!

Donna said...

I love all those things.

Hugs,
Donna

Diane said...

Ooooh, I love ALL those things... well, mostly. I'm not so crazy about Halloween... though the candy is mighty nice ;)

Bhushavali said...

Happy Autumn!!!
My Travelogue, Savoir-Faire

steviewren said...

You've covered everything except the one that is the most important to me...the return of crisp cool air. I love that most about the season.

Zuzana said...

=Blogaire,
you are way too kind.;) I did in fact enjoyed writing assays in school but never got any good grades in it.;) I am glad I could remind you of that which is magical about autumn.;) Always happy when you stop by.;)

=julochka,
glad you share all my sentiments about this magnificent season.;) Thank you for your lovely comment.;)xo

=Joanne,
oh, I think I know what you mean. For me, the late autumn becomes a bit like that, particularly with the days get so short. I have a very difficult time dealing with the extended darkness. Your visits are always appreciated.;)xo

=Cairo,
yes, that is it, comfort food is the best.;) But I guess you do not get need for much of it in your part of the world.;) Always so happy when you stop by.;)xo

=Brian,
yes, it is coming.;)We had our first frost this night and the landscape was all white this morning. In central Europe it has been snowing already, way too early.;)

=Keith,
you are always so kind in your comments.;) Yes, I too love Halloween, it is soon here.;)Always enjoy when you visit.;)

=Claudia,
I love the fact that you created your own fall season.;) Way to go.;) Interesting that you get the same scent in the air.;) Always so happy when you stop by dear friend.;) xo

=MelRoXx,
I am happy you do.;) xoxo

=BPG,
ah, happy to hear that you like the Danish dish.;) It is simple but yummy.;) Yes, my candles are on every evening as well.;) Always so happy to see you stopping by my friend.;) xo

=Shelly,
I love the way you summarized it all and I am happy you love autumn as well.;) Thank you for your lovely comment.;) xo

=Michael,
so glad you feel the same.;) Your visits are always appreciated.;) xo

=stacey,
thank you for your wonderful comment and for stopping by.;)I am sure autumn in your part of the world is perfect.;)
Please come back again.;) xo

=Jacki,
I agree with you on the storms, I dislike them too.;) But they are magnificent and awe invoking.;) Glad you feel the same about autumn.;) Always happy when you visit.;) xo

=Jeanne,
I know you too love autumn from your lovely posts on your blog. And yes, the best is the approaching Holiday season.;) Thank you for your kind words.;) xo

=Phillip,
I know you do as you have summer almost all year around.;) Lucky you.;)

=Donna,
so glad you too enjoy the autumn season.;) xoxo

=Diane,
welcome back my friend, so glad you had a fun weekend and did so well on the walk.;) Yes, t is autumn again, where did the year go, right...
xoxo

=Mitr,
thank you so much and thank you for your always wonderful comments.;) xo

=stevie,
ah, yes, of course, in your part of the world this means the heat and humidity is gone.;) I am sure your autumns are beautiful.;) Always enjoy your lovely comments.;)
xoxo

Hilary said...

Nicely done, my friend. Give it another few months and you'll be extolling the virtues of winter. :)

sallymandy said...

I could not write a better summation of the season's joys. It was lovely. Your writing is always so peaceful to read, and you engage all the senses with your observations.

Gal Friday said...

Those are all perfect autumn joys you have listed!
I smelled the first wood fire(someone must have started up their stove)as I was walking yesterday, and that stirred up a true autumnal feeling in me.

Zuzana said...

=Hilary,
thank you and yes, you know me well. Although that is my least favorite season.;) Always glad to have you visit my dear friend.;) xo

=sallymandy,
thank you; that was a wonderful thing to say. I am glad you feel this way about my posts.;) xo

=Tina,
glad you agree; yes, just today I went to pick up some more firewood. We have had our first night frost.;)xoxo