The Etymology of Seasons: How ‘Spring, Summer, Autumn, Fall’ and ‘Winter’ Got Their Names

Interest in the names of seasons has long captivated scholars and linguists, as these terms often reflect the deep cultural and linguistic roots of civilizations. From ancient Etruria and Rome to modern-day English, the names we use to describe the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—have fascinating etymological histories.

The Two-Season System: Wet and Dry

In far northern Australia, a distinctively simpler and more practical system of seasonal classification exists. The region experiences only two primary seasons: ‘the wet’ and ‘the dry.’ When the monsoon rains fall, the landscape transforms into a verdant expanse of lush greenery, and as the monsoon season subsides, the weather turns arid and dry. This system is not unique to Australia, as many indigenous cultures worldwide employ similar dichotomous categorizations of the year based on weather patterns.

European Seasonal Descriptors

Though European names for the four seasons offer rich descriptions, understanding the origins of these terms often requires delving into their etymology. It's important to note that in the northern hemisphere, the seasons differ from those in the southern hemisphere. For instance, spring is associated with warmer temperatures, melting snow, and the planting of crops, whereas autumn marks the beginning of colder weather, the appearance of frost, and the harvesting of crops.

The Journey of Terminology

The names we use today for the seasons have evolved considerably over the centuries. In the United States, the term 'autumn' was popularized in the 1700s, replacing the earlier 'fall.' Here is a closer look at the etymologies of the words 'spring, summer, autumn, and winter.'

Spring

The word 'spring' originates in Old English as 'springan,' meaning 'to jump, to thrust forth,' which is related to German and Dutch verbs such as 'springen.' This term is akin to the Latin 'styrtus,' meaning 'a leap, leap year.' Ultimately, the etymology of 'spring' traces back to the Proto-Germanic 'springan,' and even further to the Proto-Indo-European root 'sprgh.'

Summer

'Summer' derived from the Old English 'sumor,' which is part of the same Germanic root as 'somer' in Dutch and 'Sommer' in German. Interestingly, this term is also related to Sanskrit 'samā' meaning 'year,' suggesting an early understanding of summer as a full cycle of the seasons.

Autumn

The modern word 'autumn' traces its roots back to the ancient Etruscan term 'autu-.' It carries connotations of the passing of the year. The word spread to neighboring regions, with the neighboring Romans borrowing it to create the Latin 'autumnus.' Another variant, 'autumna,' has been found in earlier texts. All of these trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root 'heu-' meaning 'cold,' suggesting that autumn was associated with cooler temperatures.

Fall

'Fall' as a season is a relatively recent term, coming from the 15th century meaning 'the season in which leaves fall from trees.' The word is derived from the Middle English 'fallen' and Old English 'feallan,’ which means 'to fall, fail, decay, die, attack.' This term, like 'spring,' also originates from the Proto-Germanic root 'fallan,' and further back, to the Proto-Indo-European root 'spōl-,' which means 'to cut, hew.'

Winter

'Winter' originated in Old English as 'winter,' from the Proto-Germanic 'wintruz,' which might derive from the Proto-Indo-European root 'wódr,' meaning 'water.' This etymology ties winter to the element of water, possibly emphasizing its impact on rainfall and the cold temperatures associated with this season.

In conclusion, the names of the seasons have rich and varied historical backgrounds, with roots in ancient languages, cultural practices, and linguistic evolution. Understanding these origins can provide a deeper appreciation for not only the changing of the seasons but the linguistic legacy that these names represent.

Keywords: Season names, etymology, linguistic evolution, seasonal descriptors