The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Indian Summer

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

9 October 2002

My friend and I were commenting that, "It feels like Indian Summer." Then I preceded to question my friend just what the term "Indian Summer" means.

She quickly replied, it was the time that the cobwebs fly around and make ready for the spirit or ghost of Halloween. Okay, I knew she was from a large family and didn't really expect a straight answer, but I was still curious.

Looking up the term, it is said to be a short period of mild warm weather in late autumn or early winter. It is said to be connected with Native Americans. The earliest writings is in a 1977 book "A Snow Storm" and its effects on the American Farmer.

The book noted that after a severe frost prepares for the volumes of snow which is to follow; it is often preceded by a short interval of smoke and mildness, called the Indian Summer." Another thought maybe the term came about because the word "Indian" had been adopted among early colonists to describe something false, or a poor imitation of the real thing, as in Indian corn or Indian tea. As most do like to enhance stories, the stories of what Indian Summer means, must be as varied as the tales of Halloween.