If you’re anticipating a series of hot days coming soon, don’t, as some are doing, call it an “Indian Summer.” Not because it’s “anti-Indian.” In fact, one theory about the origin of the term is the early Algonquian tribes, who believed such heat was due to one of their gods, Cautantowwit, sending a warm wind. (A bit of trivia you can work into any conversation…or not!) More likely, especially here in America, the term began with our early New England settlers, who were constantly battling the local Native Americans. In late October, though, the weather was so cold and blustery that the settlers could even venture forth from their stockades and leave their weapons at home. Until or unless the weather suddenly turned warm, in which case the weather-forced “truce” was off and the settlers again had to defend themselves. Thus the term “Indian Summer.”
The real reason we won’t be seeing an “Indian Summer” next week is that the conditions and timing are off. To be a true Indian Summer, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, “the atmosphere during Indian summer is hazy or smoky, there is no wind, the barometer is standing high, and the nights are clear and chilly.” The Almanac also declares that the warm days happen after a hard frost or period of cold weather, and occur during a specific time, November 11 – 20. So it’s too early.
Who cares what such beach-and-picnic weather is called or when it happens? Just enjoy it!