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12.9.2008

Indian summer says goodbye to warmer days

Indian summer is a by-word but few people know anything about its origins or its meaning. At any rate, it is time we said goodbye to the summer which now eventually passes its reign to autumn.

European Indian summer (or “Babí léto” in Czech) is a different name for late summer. Sunshiny, warm and wind-less weather with little rain is typical for this time. “Babí léto” is exclusive to Europe and its time comes in late summer or early autumn.

Even though days remain pleasantly warm, nights are getting significantly colder. Mornings clad in mist are also becoming more and more common throughout autumn. According to climatologists, the character of European Indian summer is caused by a high air pressure area which throughout autumn lingers over the Middle and South-eastern Europe. This high-pressure area remains there approximately from September 21 until October 2 and that’s why it is sometimes called St. Wenceslas’ summer in Bohemia. Everyone likes this pleasantly warm and sunny weather to stay on for as long as possible. Indian summer can take up to seven weeks; however, there are also years when it doesn’t come at all.

But why is the European Indian summer called “BABÍ léto” in Czech? You may have noticed how at the turn of the season delicate spider webs are flying in the air. In the past, they must have reminded the folk of the grey, grandmothers’ hair (“baba” stands for grandmother in Czech). This is probably where the name “Babí léto” comes from. The English name “Indian summer”, however, is not exactly synonymous to the Czech “Babí léto”. Even though it is climatically similar, the real Indian summer is peculiar to North America and it comes at the end of autumn.

However, let us leave theory now and come to facts. European Indian summer is the latest time of the year when wearing summer clothes or making a picnic is possible. If you didn’t have time for a proper vacation during the summer because of your work engagements, pick European Indian summer as the time for your holiday. If you prefer to have your vacation in the Czech Republic or if you don’t need the tropical heat and are content with pleasantly warm weather, you will not regret the decision.

Enjoy the Indian summer and everything that comes with it; take energy from the sunshine which is unfortunately going to be scarcer and scarcer during autumn.