The Beginning of Autumn: A Transition to Cooler Weather In China, the beginning of autumn is marked by the traditional festival of Liqiu or "立秋" which usually falls on August 7th or 8th. This ancient tradition celebrates the start of a new season, the transition from the hot summer days to cooler temperatures and the arrival of the harvest season. Typically, during this time, temperatures start to cool down, and the winds pick up, signaling the beginning of a new season. The farmers begin to harvest their crops, and people start to prepare for the colder months ahead by storing food, fuel, and warm clothing. It is a time of celebration and reflection and an opportunity to appreciate the bounty of nature. The word "autumn" comes from the Latin word "autumnus," which means "the fall season." It is also known as "fall" in American English. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn starts around September 22nd or 23rd, and usually, it is associated with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and changing colors in the foliage. During autumn, the leaves on deciduous trees begin to turn yellow, orange, and red before they fall off, carpeting the ground in a beautiful display of colors. This phenomenon is caused by a pigment called anthocyanin, which becomes more visible as the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down. The beginning of autumn has been celebrated for centuries in different cultures around the world. In Japan, it is known as "tsukimi," or the "moon viewing" festival, which is held in September, and people gaze at the Hunter's Moon, the full moon closest to the beginning of autumn. In the UK, autumn is associated with the harvest season, and the Harvest Festival is celebrated by churches and communities to give thanks for the bountiful crops. In conclusion, the beginning of autumn is a time of transition and reflection, signaling the end of summer and the start of a new season. It is a time when we can appreciate the beauty of nature and the magnificent wonder of the changing leaves. As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, we prepare for the colder months ahead, remembering the good times of summer, and embracing the joys of fall.