Autumn is a season that brings with it more than just cooler weather and falling leaves. Starting with ancient harvest traditions to fascinating animal behaviors, this time of year holds many surprises.
Our Lipem chocolate products are the perfect companion for cozying up during these crisp Autumn days, whether you’re enjoying a warming cup of hot chocolate or indulging in a sweet praline treat.
As you celebrate the season, impress your friends and family with these ten lesser-known facts about Autumn.
Fun Facts about Fall.
1. Autumn Was Once Called Harvest
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the season was known as “haerfest” in England. The name was associated with the harvest moon and the successful yield of crops.
2. Autumn Equinox Varies
The Autumn equinox falls on different days each year, typically on September 22nd or 23rd, due to the Earth’s orbit.
”The reason why the equinox falls on a different date each year is because the Gregorian calendar (the one used by most of the world) counts only 365 days a year, rather than the 365.25 days the Earth actually takes to orbit the sun.” HotelChocolat.com
3. The Term ‘Fall’ Originated in England
“Fall” was commonly used in England before the 17th century to describe the season.
The term stayed with emigrants who moved to America, while the French-derived “Autumn” became more popular in England.
4. Autumn Babies May Live Longer
A study found that 30% of centenarians in the U.S. were born in Autumn.
This is thought to be due to the change in temperature which is likely to strengthen immune systems in babies.
5. Global Warming and Autumn
Rising temperatures due to global warming may delay the colour change in leaves by up to 5 days – as per a 23-year long observational study at Harvard Forest.
6. Greek Mythology’s Explanation
The Greeks explained Autumn through the myth of Persephone -daughter of the goddess of nature and harvest-, who was taken against her will by Hades.
Her sadness caused the Earth’s plants to die until her return, which marked Spring.
7. Autumn’s Health Effects
The extra hour of sleep from the end of daylight saving time may reduce the risk of heart attacks, and the lower Vitamin D levels during Autumn could contribute to a mild weight gain.
8. Apple Bobbing Is a British Invention
Originally a courting ritual, bobbing for apples started in Britain and was later adapted into a Halloween game.
9. Animal Behaviour in Autumn
- Squirrels’ brains (the hippocampus in particular) grow by 15% to help them remember where they store food.
- Monarch butterflies migrate up to 4000 km to find warmer climates.
- Siberian hamsters can experience up to a significant 1700% increase in testes size!
10. Autumn Is a Season of Romance
Hormonal changes in both men and women lead to increased attraction and relationship activity during Autumn, as sex drives are much higher in both men and women at this time of the year than any other.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Be it the changing colors of the leaves, ancient myths, or interesting animal behaviors, Autumn is a season full of surprises.
At Agrobio Int, we believe that every moment of this cozy time of year deserves to be savored—especially with our Lipem chocolate spreads, pralines, and hot cocoa.
So next time you’re snuggled up enjoying the beauty of Autumn, don’t forget to share these fun facts with your loved ones, and make sure to indulge in a little chocolate magic while you’re at it!