This morning, as I sipped my coffee and looked out into the garden, I noticed a familiar visitor—Stanley, the squirrel I’ve been feeding for a few months.
I watched him eagerly gathering and hiding his nuts, preparing for the colder months ahead.
There was something so peaceful and instinctive about the way he embraced the season’s change, adapting without hesitation.
It reminded me that autumn, with all its transformations, offers us the same opportunity—to prepare, reflect, and embrace the beauty of change.
As the world shifts, autumn provides not only a chance to expand our vocabulary but also to explore how different cultures celebrate this vibrant season.
Around the world, people gather to mark the harvest and give thanks for the year’s abundance, offering a glimpse into how language and culture intertwine.
As we expand our vocabulary to describe the beauty of autumn, we can also enrich our language skills by learning how different cultures honour the season.
Just as the squirrel instinctively adapts to the changing season, cultures around the world also celebrate autumn in unique ways. These festivals not only highlight the beauty of this season but also provide a window into different languages and traditions.
Autumn Festivals Around the World
Autumn is a season of global celebration, with festivals that not only highlight the importance of harvest and change but also the cultural richness of the communities that celebrate them. Let’s take a closer look at a few well-known autumn festivals and the ways they connect us to new languages and traditions.
Oktoberfest (Germany)
One of the world’s most famous autumn festivals, Oktoberfest, held in Munich, Germany, is a celebration of Bavarian culture, music, and, of course, beer! But beyond the festivities, Oktoberfest is rooted in German tradition.
Language Tip: While you may know the word “Prost!” (Cheers), why not explore deeper cultural expressions like “Gemütlichkeit,” a word that captures the feeling of warmth, friendliness, and belonging that Oktoberfest embodies? It’s more than a party—it’s a celebration of togetherness.
Mid-Autumn Festival (China)
In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time for family reunions and thanksgiving for the harvest. As families gather to enjoy mooncakes and admire the full moon, they celebrate unity and reflect on their gratitude.
Language Tip: Learn phrases like “月亮” (yuèliàng, meaning moon) or “中秋节快乐” (Zhōngqiū jié kuàilè, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival). By understanding these cultural expressions, you can deepen your appreciation of this beautiful festival.
Diwali (India)
Though often associated with winter, Diwali, the festival of lights, often falls in late autumn. This celebration of light overcoming darkness is a powerful reminder of renewal and hope, as families light oil lamps and celebrate new beginnings.
Language Tip: Try learning the word “दीपावली” (Deepavali, the festival’s traditional name) or “प्रकाश” (prakāś, meaning light). Language and culture come together in this celebration, and by learning these words, you gain insight into the heart of Indian traditions.
These festivals bring people together to honour the season, and just as these traditions add colour to our cultural understanding, autumn itself is a time of vibrant transformation.
Let’s explore how the natural world paints a vivid picture of the season through its changing colours.
The Colours of Autumn
Here are some words to describe the rich autumnal palette:
Russet: That deep reddish-brown colour that dominates the season, seen in leaves, autumn fruits, and even cosy jumpers.
Evergreen: Refers to trees or plants that stay green and retain their leaves all year round, even during autumn and winter.
Golden: A rich yellowish colour often associated with the sun, autumn leaves, or the harvest. In autumn, it describes the vibrant yellow-gold shades seen in nature.
Vibrant: Describes colours that are bright, strong, and full of energy. Autumn is often noted for its vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
As we admire the golden hues of autumn, we are reminded that change is an inherent part of this season. Just as the leaves turn and fall, we too can embrace transformation in our lives, shedding what no longer serves us and welcoming the new.
Autumn encourages us to pause, reflect, and let go of what no longer serves us—just like the trees shedding their leaves. It’s a time to embrace the changes that come our way. The vocabulary we use to describe this transformation is just as varied and vibrant as the season itself.
Here are some words that capture the essence of autumn, each one offering a way to paint vivid pictures in your mind and conversation:
Describing the weather or the air
Crisp: The cool, fresh air that wakes you up in the morning. It's that satisfying, invigorating feeling you get on an autumn walk.
Brisk: Used to describe weather or movement that is energetic and refreshing. A brisk day or wind feels cool and sharp.
Frosty: Cold enough for frost to form, giving everything a thin layer of ice; can also be used metaphorically to describe someone’s cold or unfriendly attitude.
Nippy: Informal word for slightly cold or chilly weather, especially when it’s unexpectedly sharp.
Overcast: Refers to a sky that is covered with clouds, blocking the sun, making the day grey and dull.
Autumn Verbs: Actions of the Season
With change comes action, and autumn is a time of movement in both nature and life. From harvests to hibernation, let’s explore some key verbs that capture the essence of autumn’s activity.
Harvest: To gather or collect crops that have been grown and are ready to be picked, usually in late summer or early autumn.
Hibernate: To spend the winter in a dormant or inactive state. Many animals hibernate during the cold months to conserve energy.
Migrate: To move from one place to another, often seasonally. Many animals, particularly birds, migrate south for the winter to find warmer climates.
Reap: To gather or receive something, usually because of effort or work. In a literal sense, it refers to harvesting crops; metaphorically, it can mean benefiting from the results of actions.
These verbs are closely tied to autumn’s natural cycles and seasonal changes, providing great context for discussions about nature and life during this time of year.
Autumn Adjectives: Adding Depth and Imagery
Of course, actions aren’t the only way to describe autumn. The season also offers sensory experiences that can be beautifully captured through descriptive adjectives. Let’s discover the words that bring autumn’s unique atmosphere to life.
Autumnal: Relating to or characteristic of autumn. It’s used to describe anything that embodies the essence of the season, from weather to scenery.
Abundant: Present in large quantities; plentiful. In autumn, it’s often used to describe the season’s harvest or the vibrant display of colours.
Moonlit: Lit by the light of the moon. This adjective is often used to describe quiet, serene nights, especially in autumn when the moon seems to glow brighter in the longer evenings.
Spooky: Eerie or frightening, often associated with Halloween and the supernatural elements of autumn.
Autumn Idioms to Brighten Your Conversations
In addition to adjectives, idioms related to autumn enrich our language and offer deeper insights into how we communicate about the season. Let’s explore some fun and practical idioms that capture autumn’s spirit.
Turn over a new leaf: This idiom is perfect for autumn! Just as the leaves turn, it suggests making a fresh start, changing a habit or embracing something new.
Example: "I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and start writing in my journal every day."
It drives me nuts: Autumn is a busy time for squirrels gathering their food, and this phrase captures that frantic energy when something irritates you.
Example: "My noisy neighbours drive me nuts, but I’m learning to embrace the quiet moments when I can."
To squirrel away: Like squirrels storing food for winter, this idiom means saving something for later.
Example: "I’ve been squirrelling away my savings for a winter holiday."
An old chestnut: This idiom refers to a story, idea, or joke that has been repeated so many times that it has lost its original impact or charm. It’s often used to describe something that’s become overly familiar or cliché.
Example: “During our family dinner, my uncle told the same old chestnut about his university days for the hundredth time. We all laughed, but we’ve heard it so many times before!”
To take a leaf out of someone’s book: This means to imitate or adopt someone’s successful habits or methods, often because they’ve proven to be effective.
Example: “Sarah is always so organised with her schedule, never missing a deadline. I decided to take a leaf out of her book and started using a planner to stay on top of my own tasks.”
As we enjoy the changing seasons and the festivals that mark this special time of year, it’s a reminder that language connects us to the world around us. Whether you’re expanding your autumn vocabulary or learning about the cultural traditions of Oktoberfest or the Mid-Autumn Festival, there’s always something new to discover.
Now it’s your turn!
Let’s practise some of the new autumn idioms and vocabulary we’ve discussed. Create your own sentences using the prompts below:
What was the last thing that ‘drove you nuts’?
When was the last time you ‘turned over a new leaf’?
How do you plan to ‘squirrel away’ some time for yourself this season?
Look out of your window—what can you see, and how can you describe it using the autumn vocabulary from this blog?
Use this season to practise not only your English but also your ability to embrace change and explore cultural traditions. Autumn is a time for renewal, and with it comes endless possibilities.
Happy autumn! 🍁
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her at the cricket researching new blog ideas, she also loves to cook, to travel, and to share her passion for learning with others.
