Indian Summer is a special time of year that carries with it a sense of quiet magic and nostalgia. Often called a “second summer,” it arrives after the first cool days of autumn, bringing back warmth, sunlight, and clear skies as if nature decided to gift us with one more golden chapter before winter. In Russia, this period is traditionally known as “Babye Leto,” or “Women’s Summer,” while in English it is often referred to as “Indian Summer.” In other cultures, people sometimes call it “Old Wives’ Summer” or even “Gypsy Summer,” showing how widely recognized and cherished this fleeting season is.
The charm of Indian Summer lies in its unexpectedness. Just when people start to prepare for long, gray days, the weather suddenly softens, the air becomes gentle, and the sun shines with a mellow light that lacks the sharp heat of July. Trees are already dressed in shades of gold, crimson, and amber, and this warm spell makes their colors glow even brighter. It feels as if time slows down, giving us a chance to take a deep breath, walk under the falling leaves, and hold on a little longer to the beauty of the passing year.
This season has also inspired countless legends, poems, and folk beliefs. Many cultures see Indian Summer as a symbol of wisdom, maturity, and the richness of life’s later years. It is often compared to the calm after life’s storms, a reminder that warmth and joy can return even when it seems the cycle is turning toward its end. That is why Babye Leto is not only about weather—it is about finding comfort in transitions and appreciating the fleeting beauty of the present moment.
Although the exact timing of Indian Summer changes from year to year, in Russia it usually falls in mid-September, sometimes stretching into early October. Its shortness makes it all the more precious, because it passes quickly, like a memory of summer. Yet it always leaves behind a sense of gratitude, reminding us that every season, even the shortest one, has its own gift to offer.