Where Did This Term Originate and What is its Definition Today?
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Here in zone 6B in Michigan, we have had a killing frost and a few nights with temperatures below freezing. Although the next 10 days we will see highs in the mid to upper 50s during the day and lows in the mid-30s at night, it certainly won't be what I would consider T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flop weather. We don't want it to get too warm though, as November 15th is the opening day of the firearm deer hunting season. If it is too warm, that freshly harvested meat could spoil before it gets processed. Personally, I am already looking forward to spring and summer!!
I'm also from Michigan, middle of the mitt. Same weather forecast here. Hunters prefer colder Temps for deer harvest, but I agree with you..looking forward to spring and summer weather.
We have had a hard freeze and several very cold days. All Saints Day was quite cold. Our forecast for the next week features highs in the 60s and 70s. I believe this fits the definition of "Indian Summer." I enjoyed reading the passage from the Omaha World-Herald as I live in Omaha. I had read once that the term was used by the Plimoth settlers who were instructed by the Wampanoag to anticipate a warm period to allow them to gather more winter stores and that was part of the origin of the First Thanksgiving. I am a descendent of Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley through those who left Massachusetts Bay to settle in Rhode Island, so the Narragansett reference also piqued my interest.
I enjoy your historical articles very much, and tend to learn a little something from every one.
I could do without the apologetic lead-in to these stories on bygone events. While we have different sensitivities today, attempting to explain the past as "unfortunate" tends to distract from the intent of the article.
I agree completely and very well said.
Well said, Stu.
I totally agree with "Stu"; after wasting my morning with the apology repeated several ways. I forgot why I had clicked on the story.
I agree with "Stu" too!
Here in beautiful VA it will be a whopping 81 degrees in the morning with lows in the 50’s.
I came across this page trying to find the best explanation of Indian Summer for my son.
I had never known why we called it “Indian Summer” but glad to hear different meanings.
Thank you all!
It's called Indian Summer. It's just a name, it's not an attack on anyone. It's how we've named it for as long as I can remember. Just stop it with this woke bullshit. I bet if you asked a native American what they thought about the Indian Summer name and they wouldn't give a crap.