Autumn in America

America and Britain: two countries separated by a common language – often comically, as the BBC’s ‘Mind the Gap’ and the Guardian’s ‘English to English’ blogs deftly demonstrate.

The more time I spend Stateside, the more the little differences make themselves known.  One such difference is seasonal.  Not only do we differ on how to describe the transition – Autumn versus Fall – but the two countries have alternative approaches too.

Back in Britain, I associate Halloween almost exclusively with young children – trick or treaters and a Halloween party or two, with university students putting in some effort at the grown-up end of the spectrum.  Here, Halloween is a cultural phenomenon that takes in all ages and areas. In the last few weeks I’ve spotted homes decked out with extravagant decorations that would put competitive Christmas light shows to shame, complete with cobwebs, spiders and frighteningly realistic gravestones.

But it’s not all ghosts and ghouls. Pumpkins don’t just play ‘jack o’ lantern’; the flavour is infused into everything – and I mean everything.  Cookies, coffee, bread, ice cream, and that most American of desserts, pie (it really is a shame I don’t like pumpkin).

Wreathes adorn doors, pumpkins and seasonal plants preen on doorsteps, and apple cider (not to be confused with its alcoholic Anglo cousin) is enjoyed eagerly.  While I’m not a fan of the flavours, I do love the enthusiasm with which this season and ‘holiday’ are embraced.  And most of all, I love the leaves, the artist’s palette of colours catching your eye on every corner.  Trees are in short supply in the Hebrides, so it’s something of a novelty to engage in a spot of leaf-peeping, whether in the American Midwest, the Pennsylvanian countryside, or the king of open city spaces, Central Park.

Tonight, whether you’re sipping on apple cider and celebrating Stateside, or awaiting the doorbell in Britain, have a happy Halloween!