"Indian file" and "Indian summer" are two terms that have found their way into the English lexicon, each carrying its own unique connotations and histories. In this article, we delve into the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of these expressions. From the orderly procession of "Indian file" to the tranquil beauty of "Indian summer," let's explore the richness of language and its ties to culture and nature.
About "Indian file" and "Indian summer"
Indian file
Indian file is a procession in which each person follows after the other in a long line.
"Well, sir, as the four of us were walking in Indian file, what did the woman suddenly do but go up to Jeremiah and accost him." — B.L. Farjeon.
The term 'Indian file' is first recorded in the mid-1700s, with the Oxford English Dictionary citing its earliest evidence from 1758.
Indian summer
Indian summer is the finest part of the autumn season in North America, a time noted for its beauty and mildness.
"In the one case there was Mr. Josceline wooing and winning; Mrs. Jennynge in an Indian summer (delightful state) of rapture; and Miss Anastasia beginning to suspect what was going on." — James Payn.
The origin of the term "Indian summer" remains a mystery, prompting various speculative explanations. Several commonly suggested theories include:
- The phenomenon was more frequent in regions inhabited by North American Indigenous peoples.
- Upon encountering the weather phenomenon in America, European settlers dubbed it the "Indian's Summer."
- It coincided with the period when First Nations/Native American communities traditionally harvested their crops.
- Some propose that the haziness of Indian summer weather resulted from prairie fires deliberately set by Native American tribes.
Trivia: The term "Indian summer" has been well received and used in various mediums including film, television, literature, music, and art. In film, it's seen in works like "Indian Summer" (1993) and "Indian Summers" (2015). Literature features novels like "Indian Summer" (1886) and "Der Nachsommer." Music includes songs like "Indian Summer" by Joe Walsh and "Indian Summer" by Dream Academy. Notable artworks include "Indian Summer" by Józef Chełmoński. Additionally, it's referenced in bands like Indian Summer and albums such as "Indian Summer" (1992) by Go West. Overall, "Indian Summer" represents a time of warmth and nostalgia across various cultural expressions.
Sources:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/10/12/a-new-name-for-indian-summer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Summer#Albums_and_EPs
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