What Is An Indian Summer

Another hypothesis suggests the haze associated with the weather reminded settlers of the smoke from prairie fires set by Native Americans to drive game or clear land.

| Region | Name | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Indian Summer | The classic definition applies. | | Western Europe (UK, France, Germany) | St. Martin’s Summer (Nov 11) / Old Wives’ Summer | Named for the feast day of St. Martin; also linked to spiderwebs in folklore. | | Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland) | Old Wives’ Summer / Polish Summer | “Babie lato” – refers to the fine, silky spiderwebs that float in the air. | | Balkans | Gypsy / Poor Man’s Summer | Terms are local and culturally specific. | | South America | Veranico (little summer) / Veranillo de San Juan | Occurs in mid-autumn (April-May). | what is an indian summer