Recently, while researching a post I was writing, I came across a term I have referred to over the years. The term that I am talking about is ‘Indian summer.’ I casually threw it out there when referring to the warm weather in the fall. Now, I am not the best speller, so I always use an AI-powered spell checker when writing. The AI kept telling me that this language may imply bias against Indigenous people and recommended that I use extended summer. What!
An Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Indian summer typically involves warm, sunny days during late October or November, even after cooler temperatures arrive. It’s characterized by hazy conditions and calm weather.
The term is thought to have originated in New England and may have been influenced by Native American practices. Native Americans were known to gather winter supplies during this time. Although the exact origins are uncertain, it might have been called “Indian summer” because it was first noted in regions inhabited by Native Americans or because they described it to Europeans.
Some legends mention a “Life-Giver” bestowing warm autumnal weather upon warriors or peoples after misfortune, such as crop loss. While there’s no strict definition, Indian summer is associated with warm, quiet weather in October or early November. Indian summer is a fascinating weather phenomenon that defies the usual expectations of autumn!
Let’s continue to appreciate and celebrate the beauty of Indian summer while being sensitive to the concerns of Indigenous communities. Perhaps, the programmers of these AI language models need to give it a break. Indian Summer does not imply bias against Indigenous people and is an acknowledgment of their culture and oneness with nature.
At Urban Gardening 4u2day, we are passionate about promoting eco-friendly and sustainable vegetable gardening practices. Our mission is to encourage individuals and communities to grow their own produce in environmentally conscious ways.
Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick
Written by: Tom Myrick
About the Writer/Photographer: Tom Myrick
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