14 Common Misconceptions About Autumn (Part 1)

Part One..

When I travel people often ask me interesting questions about life in America. Autumn and all the traditions associated with it are especially mystifying to a lot of the world. 

So I thought I would do my best to address some of the more quirky aspects of this time of the year. Depending on where you live in the United States this isn't even a "real" season, lol.  So grab your pumpkin spiced latte, light that pumpkin cream candle and follow me as we visit the 14 most common misconceptions about Autumn in America.

Myth Number One:

#1. Autumn is all about Halloween!

"Autumn", according to Wiki, "also known as fall in American and Canadian English, is one of the four temperate seasons. Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, in September (Northern Hemisphere) or March (Southern Hemisphere), when the duration of daylight becomes noticeably shorter and the temperature cools down considerably."

If it begins in September how can it be all about Halloween? Nope, misconception. There is more to this season than just Halloween!  Read on to discover more...

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#2 You MUST love pumpkins and add "pumpkin spice" to everything.

False. You are allowed not to love pumpkins. 
Although you will find pumpkin flavored everything, everywhere, from candles to body wash and of course that latte your sipping, it's okay to skip it. People consume way more pumpkin spiced stuff than you would think is humanly possible, but you are allowed to say no. It's not considered odd or rude to refuse a pumpkin cookie or drink.

#3. You have to edit your wardrobe.
​Popular culture in North America associates Labor Day, the first Monday in September, as the end of summer and the start of autumn; certain summer traditions, such as wearing white, are discouraged after that date.  WTF? It has it's own dress code?  Consider this as also false. People wear any color they want. Although depending on where you live, people do tend to wear more "autumn palate" colors.  Which sucks if they don't look good on you, but as I said people just avoid them and wear what they want. I am considered an autumn palate myself.   (This usually means you have a lot of depth to your coloring with golden undertones. Like natural strawberry blonde hair, chestnut brown or rich red hair. See? Oe of those shades must be my true hair color, lol!)

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I personally avoid the confusion and just wear black all the time, lol!

#4 Autumn is a depressing time of sadness and melancholia.

Autumn, especially in poetry, has often been associated with melancholia and depression. The possibilities of summer are gone, and the chill of winter is fast approaching. Skies turn grey, the amount of daylight drops rapidly, and many people turn inward, both physically and mentally. For this  reason it has been referred to as an unhealthy season.

​Is it?  No, of course not, although if you suffer from SAD,  (Seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons) this can be a difficult time.

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#5 Autumn signals "back to school."

And you are bombarded by "Back to School" advertising, mobs of people at the mall and overpriced school supplies. Well sorta...

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Autumn also has a strong association with the end of summer holiday and the start of a new school year, particularly for children in primary and secondary education. "Back to School" advertising and preparations usually occurs in the weeks leading to the beginning of autumn and people take this time to shop for schools supplies. 

​ #5 ~ True. Everything is "Back to School" from sales to events. People want to squeeze in as much freedom as possible before returning to the confines of school routines. The sales are usually stationary items, like paper, pencils, etc. But also clothing goes on sale and the stores are generally mobbed with shoppers.

​#6 Autumn is all about the foliage!   

Leaves are turning colors and falling rapidly during this time of the year.

#6 - True. Depending on where you live, the trees put on a beautiful show.

#7 Pumpkin (here we go again) Pie is all anyone in America eats! 
Didn't we already address this one under #2?  Pumpkin pie is a tradition for Thanksgiving, but it isn't usually consumed all season long. 

False, People do not live off pupmkin pie...

What else do you think of when you hear "Autumn"?  
Part two and another 7  common misconceptions will be up soon, so check back and enjoy that latte'!

​See you at the airport!