Today marks the Autumn equinox which happens when the equator passes the centre of the sun. This
is when the north and south poles of the Earth are not tilted towards or
away from the sun, as at other times, but are aligned so as to give,
theoretically, the same amount of daylight in both of the Earth's
hemispheres.
Is it Autumn or Fall? Many would say that 'Fall' is an American word used to describe this time of the year whereas in England we say Autumn. But the word 'fall' apparently was used in England during the 16th century or even earlier. It was originally short for fall of the year or fall of the leaf but it commonly took the one-word form by the 17th century, long before the development of American English. So while the term is now widely used in the USA, it is not exclusively American or American in origin. What is more an old English word feallan means “to fall or to die.” Over time, the phrase was shortened to fall. “Fall of the leaf”
Is it Autumn or Fall? Many would say that 'Fall' is an American word used to describe this time of the year whereas in England we say Autumn. But the word 'fall' apparently was used in England during the 16th century or even earlier. It was originally short for fall of the year or fall of the leaf but it commonly took the one-word form by the 17th century, long before the development of American English. So while the term is now widely used in the USA, it is not exclusively American or American in origin. What is more an old English word feallan means “to fall or to die.” Over time, the phrase was shortened to fall. “Fall of the leaf”
This necklace is a Ring of Roses bracelet gone wrong as I decided not to read the pattern, which was stupid as of course it went wrong! Although pleased that all the time and effort was not wasted, I gave this particular necklace away, really must make one for myself!
Interesting etymology! I've often wondered about fall/autumn, being an Autumn fan myself, both word and weather wise! Thanks! : )
ReplyDeleteThis necklace is beautiful and great mistake no one would know! Great to know the origin of Autumn and Fall.
ReplyDeleteDidn't you just adjust the pattern to create your necklace? ;-)
ReplyDeleteNo Diane I actually joined in the the wrong places to begin with so it wasn't straight, then had to adjust so the rest matched!!
DeleteFabulous necklace!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favourite colours! - it looks unattractive on the ball, but always pleasing when it's tatted.I enjoyed the foray into word definition, linguistics and Old English were two of the subject areas I studied at University and I have been known to read the unabridged Oxford Dictionary for pleasure.
ReplyDeleteOld English is fascinating, you were fortunate to delve in to it more, but don't think I could read the unabridged Oxford Dictionary for pleasure!
DeleteMaureen! I have company! : ))
DeleteThat's interesting because the other day I read a derogatory comment on Facebook about American use of the simple word fall as opposed to the more sophisticated use of Autumn in Europe!! I love your necklace, it really looks as though you adapted the pattern on purpose. I'm using that pattern at the moment, also not strictly as Jane intended it.
ReplyDeleteSally, it wasn't a mistake.... it was Creative Tatting!!! Now I've worked out what you did... guess who's going to 'copy'!!! LOL Me feels a neck wig, arm wig and ear wigs coming on!! Rofl
ReplyDeleteWell I can't work out how I went wrong, please tell me!!! Look forward to seeing the full set.
DeleteInteresting to learn about the origins of the word "fall" referring to autumn.
ReplyDeleteThe necklace turned out beautifully!
Thanks Marilee
Delete