Q: Where did the term “Indian summer” originate? When does it start and stop? No one knows anything about it.
—Bob Walton, Villa Rica
Q: There are various theories to the origin of the term "Indian summer," dating to perhaps before the 18th century.
They include (according to a 1996 National Weather Service article):
- A time of the year that was thought to be the primary hunting season for Native Americans.
- A part of the fall when Native Americans might have used the year's last warm weather to attack settlers (a theory favored by "The Old Farmer's Almanac," first published in 1792.).
- The best part of the year to load ships in India and transport those goods to other parts of the world.
The article details a reference to Indian summer in the 1778 writings of a Frenchman in North America, but he notes the term “is called” Indian summer, which gives credence that it was already in use.
“The Old Farmer’s Almanac” states that Indian summer must include warm and hazy days, no wind, high barometric pressure and clear and chilly nights.
“The time of occurrence is important: The warm days must follow a spell of cold weather or a good hard frost,” it states.
The book also states those conditions must occur between St. Martin’s Day (Nov. 11) and Nov. 20. “If All Saints’ (Nov. 1) brings out winter, St. Martin’s brings out Indian summer,” the almanac states.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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