🍂 Hey creaters! Let’s talk about the changing of the seasons and those autumn colours 🍂

Have you noticed how incredible everything looks right now? The trees are seriously showing off with those gorgeous oranges, reds, and yellows. 😍 There’s just something about autumn that feels so cozy and magical, like nature’s putting on a warm sweater for us all!

Nature paints from within pigments

I started wondering, why do leaves even change colours like this? So we did a little digging and it turns out the science behind it is wild. During spring and summer, leaves are packed with something called chlorophyll, which keeps them green and lets them soak up sunlight. But as soon as autumn hits and the days get shorter, trees start producing less chlorophyll, and that green colour starts to fade away. And then… the magic happens! 🍁✨

Hidden underneath all that green are pigments we don’t usually see—like carotenoids (which make the leaves turn golden and yellow) and anthocyanins (those are the ones bringing out all the deep reds and purples). When these colours take over, it’s like the landscape transforms into a total work of art.

And the cooler the weather, the brighter the reds get! I had no idea autumn reds were basically powered by chilly nights. Isn’t nature amazing?

Honestly, every time I go for a walk or even just look out my window, I’m blown away. So if you haven’t been out enjoying the fall vibes yet, grab a warm drink, put on your favourite cozy sweater and take it all in! The colours are calling. 🍂❤️

The vibrant colours of autumn: nature’s most colourful farewell

As summer slips away, autumn arrives with its spectacular display of color. The air cools, and the landscape transforms into a canvas of warm tones that paint hillsides, parks, and forests. There’s something truly magical about the way nature celebrates its yearly shift in such a vibrant way, and each hue we see is a result of natural processes that are both scientific and awe-inspiring.

This is the science behind autumn colours

The secret to autumn’s stunning colour palette lies in the changing chlorophyll levels in leaves. Throughout spring and summer, chlorophyll gives leaves their green color and helps plants produce energy from sunlight. But as days grow shorter and temperatures cool, plants slow their chlorophyll production. As chlorophyll fades, other pigments hidden beneath the green begin to reveal themselves, creating that iconic autumnal look.

Yellows and golds:

Carotenoids, pigments responsible for the yellows in carrots and corn, bring out the golden tones in leaves. These pigments are always present but usually masked by chlorophyll. When autumn comes, the greens fade, and yellows take center stage.

Oranges and reds:

Anthocyanins, pigments responsible for red and purple hues, are produced only in autumn. These colours are more intense on sunny, crisp days with cool nights. Certain trees like maples create particularly brilliant reds, adding a striking contrast to the landscape.

Browns:

Tannins give leaves their brown colour. As leaves dry out, tannins become the dominant pigment, marking the final phase of the season’s transition.

A palette of warmth and depth

One of the most striking things about autumn is how the colours—though warm—feel grounding. Golds, oranges, and deep reds give us a sense of comfort and nostalgia. As nature winds down, this color palette reminds us of cozy firesides, warming drinks, and a slower pace of life.

Experiencing autumn’s colours

Autumn in the Netherlands, or “herfst” as it’s called in Dutch, is a special season with vibrant foliage, cozy traditions and a mix of outdoor and indoor activities to enjoy. Autumn is a season best experienced outside. Whether it’s a hike through a dense forest, a drive along a scenic country road, or simply a walk through a park, stepping out into nature gives us the full experience.

Dutch people are used to the rainy, windy autumn weather, so they’re well-prepared with good raincoats and waterproof bags. They don’t let the rain stop them from commuting by bike or getting outdoors! Some people even plan their vacations around autumn foliage, timing trips to regions known for particularly vibrant displays.

• Forest Walks: The Netherlands has many beautiful forests and parks where the trees display spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow. Popular spots like the Veluwe, Amsterdamse Bos and National Parc Utrechtse Heuvelrug are favourite destinations for Dutch families and nature lovers.
• Cycling: The Dutch love cycling and autumn is no exception. With a network of scenic bike routes crisscrossing the country, people often bike through the countryside or around forested areas to take in the fall colours.

by Shotsbymp – Bright orange mushrooms on a tree

Bringing autumn’s colours into your life

Autumn’s colours inspire decor, fashion and cooking. Many people bring those reds, yellows, and oranges into their homes with seasonal wreaths, table arrangements, and even wardrobe choices. Try incorporating these colours into your home with candles, throws and even autumn produce like pumpkins and apples to capture that cozy, earthy feel.

• Seasonal dishes: The Dutch love to enjoy hearty dishes like “stamppot” (a mashed potato-based dish with vegetables and smoked sausage) and “erwtensoep” (split pea soup) as the weather gets chillier.

• Seasonal street food: Traditional food stalls serve autumn-inspired treats, like “poffertjes” (mini pancakes), “oliebollen” (Dutch doughnuts) and mulled wine or hot chocolate, making these fairs cozy spots to enjoy the chillier season.

• Speculaas and pepernoten: These spiced cookies are associated with the Sinterklaas season but start appearing in stores and cafes as early as autumn, filling the air with warm aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

• Kaarsjesavond (candle night): As the days get shorter, people embrace the coziness of “gezelligheid” by lighting candles and gathering indoors with friends and family. Many Dutch homes have large windows, so in the evening, you can see warm, candle-lit rooms from the street.

Celebrating traditional autumn festivals

Autumn in the Netherlands is a time for unique festivals and traditions that celebrate both the changing season and the lead-up to winter holidays. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most notable autumn festivals and traditions:

• Sint Maarten (St. Martin’s Day): Celebrated on November 11, Sint Maarten is a tradition especially popular in the northern provinces. Children go door to door singing songs with handmade lanterns, hoping for treats. It’s a bit like Halloween but with its own unique charm.
• Sinterklaas preparations: The arrival of Sinterklaas, celebrated from mid-November, is a big event that marks the start of the holiday season in the Netherlands. Many cities host festive parades for Sinterklaas and his helpers as they arrive by boat. The Sinterklaas entry is broadcast on national TV, and many Dutch towns host their own parades. Children put out their shoes with a small treat for Sinterklaas’s horse, hoping to find a small gift or candy in return. This tradition continues until Sinterklaas’s feast day on December 5, when families exchange gifts and read “Sinterklaasgedichten,” playful poems written for each recipient.
• Oktoberfest Dutch-style: Inspired by the famous German Oktoberfest, cities in the southern Netherlands, especially those close to the German border like Maastricht and Eindhoven, have their own Dutch-style Oktoberfest celebrations. Oktoberfest events in the Netherlands feature plenty of beer, bratwurst and traditional German-Dutch fusion music. Many people dress in traditional Bavarian costumes, like lederhosen and dirndls, adding to the fun and festive atmosphere.
• Kaarsjesavond (Candle night): One of the most famous Candle Nights takes place in Gouda. During Gouda’s Kaarsjesavond, people gather in the town square, which is illuminated by thousands of candles, while choirs sing carols and seasonal songs.

A beautiful transition

The colours of autumn are fleeting but powerful, reminding us that change can be beautiful. It’s a season that celebrates letting go and transforming in unexpected ways. And while the landscape may grow bare as we head into winter, the colours of autumn carrying us through until spring’s renewal.

So, next time you step outside, take a moment to appreciate autumn’s artful display. 🍂