rev. rb aka spiritwarriorwoman: blog 
sww1rb's blog
indian summer...
Published Oct. 7, 2008
WHAT IS INDIAN SUMMER
"Indian summer" is a phrase most North Americans use to describe an unseasonably warm and sunny patch of weather during autumn. In U.S. states that experience enough seasonal variation for a brief warming trend to be noticeable, the phenomena is generally observed anywhere from mid-October to early November and normally occurs after the first frost.
The warm temperatures are usually accompanied by dry, hazy conditions. An Indian summer is typically caused by a sharp shift in the jet stream from the south to the north. It may last anywhere from a few days to over a week and may happen multiple times before winter arrives for good.
To be a true Indian summer, the following generally agreed upon criteria must be met: Temperatures must be above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of at least seven days or more after the autumnal equinox. And in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada, the heat wave must occur after the first frost.
No one really knows how "Indian summer" came to describe such periods. One theory suggests that early American settlers mistook the sight of sunrays through the hazy autumn air for Native American campfires, resulting in the name "Indian summer." Others speculate that Native Americans recognized this weather pattern and used the opportunity to gather additional food for the winter.
Indian summer is a common occurrence not only in North America, but also throughout temperate European countries, where it is most commonly called "St. Martin's Summer." The name is a reference to St. Martin's Day, which falls on Nov. 11. Many countries, including England, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, have traditional outdoor festivals in the week leading up to St. Martin's Day.
Other popular variations include "St. Luke's Summer," in reference to St. Luke's Day on Oct. 18, "All Hallown Summer," in reference to All Saints Day on November 1, and the more popularly celebrated "All Hallows Eve," or Halloween.
If you find yourself in the midst of Indian summer, take advantage of it!
Finish that last little bit of yard work, take the boat out one more time, or have a picnic in the park.
Soak in the sunshine because winter will not be far behind.
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GOLO member since May 16, 2008
October 7, 2008 3:14 p.m.
Sad!
God bless.
Rev. RB
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
October 7, 2008 2:14 p.m.
http://www.tkinter.smig.net/Chicago/InjunSummer/index.htm
GOLO member since July 11, 2007
October 7, 2008 1:18 p.m.
GOLO member since January 3, 2008
October 7, 2008 1:10 p.m.
;o)
I'm one of them, so I guess I can call it what it's called.
God bless.
Rev. RB
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
October 7, 2008 1:09 p.m.
GOLO member since March 14, 2008
October 7, 2008 1:07 p.m.
GOLO member since August 20, 2007
October 7, 2008 1:04 p.m.
GOLO member since August 22, 2007
October 7, 2008 1:04 p.m.
GOLO member since July 11, 2007
October 7, 2008 1:02 p.m.
GOLO member since July 25, 2007
October 7, 2008 1:02 p.m.
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