NEW ARTICLES EVERY MONTH
September 2008
GOODBYE AND HELLO SUMMER
Time flies – and before we know it, summer is over. But before you get wistful, Indian Summer is right around the corner with temperatures that will finally let you do the things that you could not do in the hot months.
To New Beginnings … in September
How about an extensive shopping trip? The temperatures in the shopping centres are pleasant again, and the autumn fashion awaits you with a spirited mix of patterns and materials, bright colours or fashionable purple and blue hues. And while we’re talking about colours: Now is the best time to take care of your hair. Over the last months, your hair may have become dull and dry – now it’s time to revive your tresses with brilliant colour and pamper them with moisturising care. With a completely new style, going out is twice as much fun! Enjoy pure culture. After the summer break, theatres, operas and concert halls are opening their doors again, offering varied and interesting performances for every taste.
Of Old Wives’ Summer, Indian Summer and St. Martin’s Summer
Weather statistics of the last 200 years and country sayings of several centuries are proof: Every year from mid to the end of September is when the most consistent high pressure centres exist over central Europe. And the “nice weather phenomenon” seems to be an internationally recognised occurrence. Did you know that in the Mediterranean countries, this time is called “St. Martin’s Summer”; in Sweden, “Birgitta Summer” and in Finland, they call it “Turning of the Leaves”? Especially famous is the “Indian Summer” in the USA, attracting many visitors to New England to marvel at the magnificent, colourful foliage. The name comes from an American Indian legend that says the red of the trees symbolises the blood of a slain bear. And what about the German “Old Wives’ Summer”? Like the Polish “Babie Lato” (Wives’ Summer), this term does not stem from “alte Weiber” (old wives) but from the gossamer spider webs covered with fog and dew that can be seen in the grass in the morning. In old German, “weiben” actually meant “weaving” of the spider webs.
