Autumn is all about despair and hope

As the summer heat goes mild, we can see the arrival of autumn. This time of the year has its own uniqueness. With summers over and winter still to come, this season has its own joys.

Autumn is marked by fall. Fall holds different meanings, traditions and ideas for a variety of cultures over hundreds of years. Change and transformation fills the air as leaves change colors and fall to the ground below. The red, yellow and orange foliage is there to remind us that change can be scary but it is also a beautiful thing.

When you think about Autumn, one thing that comes to your mind is the drying and falling of the leaves. This is something that fascinates the people all around the world. The animated change of the trees as their foliage abruptly changes from the green periods of summer to an abundance of gold palettes. No doubt, it’s a visibly breath taking phenomenon but have we ever thought why do leaves change color? Autumn is not just about bonfires, pumpkins and delicious pies, it has profound meanings. Historical cultures, science, and astrology have associated many aspects of this beautiful season to human life. These symbolic associations are powerful reminders that nature has an incredible influence on our lives. Fall represents a time for both personal and environmental transformations. The temperatures drop, leaves fall, and our wardrobe is dominated by knitted cardigans, shawls and coats, anything that will keep you warm. It is the favorite season for those that love cooler weather, boots, and bonfires. A season drenched in tradition, Fall is the perfect time to reflect and embrace change. We leave the Summer heat behind and the blooming flowers are replaced by crisp leaves.

 

Change:

As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant is change.” Autumn reminds us that our bodies, minds, and surroundings are always developing. It reminds of to appreciate our present, to appreciate the things when we still have them.

Letting go:

As there is a drop in temperature, making leaves fall to the ground, autumn symbolizes the beauty of letting go. It doesn’t have to be considered gloomy or miserable. Instead, this is a lesson for our inner egos and patterns of greed and pride. The idea of letting go gives personal satisfaction. It stresses that the everything around us is temporary.

Hope:

Some people see autumn as a sad event because the leaves on the tree turn dry, change color and eventually die off. It shows old age and death.  This season provides some painful messages, along with the messages of renewal, rebirth and hope. Old leaves fall so the new leaves can grow in the coming seasons.

Maturity:

Autumn is the symbol of maturity. The harvest is associated with abundance, prosperity and wealth. Humans too experience an “autumn”. If spring represents new birth and childhood, and summer symbolizes youth, autumn represents adulthood and maturity.

Preservation:

With winters approaching, animals store food and create cozy hibernation spaces. Farmers work on their fall harvest by collecting a reserve of crops. Humans preserve the harvest and retreat indoors. People stop wandering and like to stay in the comfort of their homes. We tend to look emotionally inwards too, reconnecting with ourselves and those important to us. We consider the choices we have made, and the options still open to us to improve ourselves.

 

by: Abeer Arshad 

 

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