As a child, I used to read countless books set in the USA and often noted US words that were different from British English ones, such as 'fall' for autumn. I now know of course, that when the Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth Rock, they imported the language of the early 17th century and that a number of words that have fallen out of usage in the UK are still in existence in the USA: it appears that 'fall' is from the Old English 'feallan', which means to fall or die, with its obvious reference to the fall of the leaves. According to astronomers, the season of autumn officially begins on Monday 23rd September, so by the time you read this, we will be firmly into the season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness'. Incidentally, I cannot imagine Keats writing about an ode 'To Backend', as autumn was once known in Northern English...
The Autumn Term in the cycle of a school year is always hectic. Most schools have some sort of a Harvest Festival, where forgotten packets of quinoa are donated to schools to distribute to good causes. However, it is also a time of the harvesting of knowledge and skills. Ask any educator and they will tell you that the Autumn Term is not only the longest, but the hardest; this is when the bulk of the school year’s academic work is done. As the leaves grow crisper and browner, the brains of the pupils and students of the nation are being stretched, challenged and honed.
For adults, the turn in the weather in the UK is the perfect time to begin the Danish practice of Hygge. For those of you who have not read The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, this is the Danish and Norwegian word for ‘a mood of cosiness…with feelings of wellness and contentment.’ Autumn is a wonderful time for new book releases, so dig out the Uggs and envelop yourself in the Booker shortlistor the latest Jeffrey Archer- and enjoy the interlude before Noddy Holder’s caterwauling heralds the season of consumer madness.