As summer fades into chilly weather and warm colors, Fall comes in to play. Fall, which is considered to start with the September equinox and end with the winter solstice, is currently in full swing. From leaves falling to the appearance of haunted houses, most people can tell the season has arrived.  This season, known as “Fall” in American and Canadian English, is most likely named for the action of leaves “falling” from trees. No one knows if this is for sure, but it is a probable and accepted cause.

Unlike Summer, Winter, and Spring, Fall has had multiple names over the years.

Before it was known as its current name, Fall, it was regarded as Autumn. Autumn comes from the Latin word “autumnus.” There is little to no other information towards the origin of the name Autumn, it is not well known. One theory is that a long time ago, Shakespeare used the word Autumn in his play Midsummers Night Dream. Some people believe that is where the word started to catch on. Since Shakespeare’s plays were so popular, it would make sense that the name for the season would catch on.

Earlier on, before the season was named Autumn, it was known as harvest. This came from the Old Norse word haust meaning “to gather or pluck.” This name lost popularity when people moved from the country to large towns.

Today, most Americans call the season between Summer and Winter Fall, while most Europeans call it Autumn.

Along with having an interesting history of various names, Fall is accompanied by seasonal activities. Raking the beautiful colored leaves ranging from red, orange, and yellow is a classic and favorite past-time for people of all ages. Children especially love raking leaves, when their parents aren’t looking, they get to jump into the pile of leaves that was raked. Pumpkin pie and apple cider are also long-time Fall favorites. This is because both ripen during the season. It is possible to find a pumpkin pie or apple cider during other times of the year, but it just doesn’t feel the same or taste quite right.

For fashion lovers, Fall brings sweaters and scarves — must haves for the season. As the season goes on and approaches Winter, leg warmers and mittens can be seen. The probable all-time favorite Fall to Winter clothing item would have to be the amazingly warm and soft boots normally called “Uggs.”

Fall has also been known to welcome hayrides and corn mazes to communities. These two things tend to lead up to the big holiday of the season. October 31, Halloween, brings costumes of all kinds, pumpkin carving, and haunted houses into nationwide focus. Zombies, skeletons, witches, princesses, clowns, hotdogs, and mimes can be seen wandering the streets for treats on this dreadfully awesome holiday. Tons of horror and thriller movies are watched on the night of Halloween, a time to scare or be scared.

The various names of fall, and the activities, apparel, and holiday that follow with the bringing of this season, make for one heck of a couple of months.