Fact Or Fiction Fall Edition

It’s time to weigh in on some of the toughest trivia around with Fact Or Fiction Fall Edition. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. Other times, tales handed down from generation to generation actually turn out to be completely fictitious! Put your knowledge to the test and see how much you know about the crisp and cozy season of fall.

#1. The Record For Fastest Pumpkin Carving Is Under 17 Seconds.

Pumpkin carving is a fun activity for many people. But for some, it’s a way to earn bragging rights. There are carving competitions held all over the world every fall. Some test your ability to carve intricate, mind-blowing designs, while others simply test for speed. So, exactly how fast is the fastest pumpkin carving?

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First, some ground rules and terms were established. In order to qualify for the contest, pumpkins have to have a nose, eyes, mouth, and ears. In 2013, competitive carver Stephen Clarke set the Guinness World Record by completing his masterpiece in a jaw dropping 16.47 seconds. It’s safe to say he absolutely earned some bragging rights with his record breaking performance.
This is fact.

#2. Chickadee Birds Get Smarter In The Fall.

Without a doubt, fall is a critical time for most animals. While some head south, others begin preparing to fight the harsh climates ahead. Surely, the need to survive is what drives these creatures to adapt and move forward. But, can different seasons affect their intelligence? And if so, do chickadees get smarter in the fall?

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During the autumn months, the adorably tiny black-caped chickadee birds experience swelling in the part of their brain that handles organization and memory. In fact, on average, their brain swells close to 30%! With this added growth, there are new nerve cells that help the birds collect massive amounts of seeds to prepare themselves better for the upcoming winter months.
This is fact.

#3. Leaves Change Colors Based On Their Water Content.

For the most part, leaves begin their annual color change during the early autumn months. Some slowly transition from green to yellow, whereas others seem to jump directly to a deep burgundy in the blink of an eye. While the leaves are pretty to look at, there must be a scientific explanation for the color change, right? So, is water responsible for the beautiful color palette in the trees?

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Certain pigments cause leaves to have their individual colors. And each type of tree produces different pigments. Red and purple colored leaves are a result of pigments produced by sugar trapped inside the leaves. Lots of sunlight and dry weather lead to more sugar, which causes brighter red leaves. Freezing temperatures, however, stop the process of sugar creating red pigments.
This is fiction.

#4. The Aurora Borealis Is Barely Visible In Autumn.

Undoubtedly, the Aurora Borealis is considered one of nature’s wonders of the world. Found in both the northern and southern hemispheres, the Northern Lights are an awe inspiring natural light display in earth’s sky. The lights appear in many dynamic patterns, such as curtains, spirals, rays, or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky. However, as the Earth rotates and summer turns to fall, does the visibility of the sky change? And as a result, is the Aurora Borealis harder to see?

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According to NASA, the cooler weather and longer nights make autumn the “aurora season.” Geomagnetic storms occur twice as much as they do the rest of the year. These storms are what creates the beautiful light show of the Aurora Borealis, making them even more visible for admirers during this time.
This is fiction.

#5. Apple Harvesting Is Highest In October-November.

When it comes to fall, there are endless activities for the family to enjoy. For instance, visiting pumpkin patches and even haunted houses are among some of the favorites, but they can’t compare to that of apple orchards. And although the popularity of orchards rise in the fall, surely apple harvesting is higher during prime fruit seasons like spring and summer, right? Or is the opposite true?

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Believe it or not, it takes nearly 36 apples to produce a single gallon of apple cider. Thirty six apples! Sure, pumpkins get their time in the spotlight, but between all the apple pies, apple cider, and apple picking, apples are the real hit during the autumn months, even when compared to any other month actually. The state that produces the most apples, Washington, harvests over 137 million boxes of apples each year!
This is fact.

#6. Black Friday Is The Busiest Shopping Day Of The Year.

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is notorious for having outrageously long lines of customers waiting impatiently for money saving deals (that are hopefully worth the wait.) More recently, though, many companies have started hosting various sales throughout the year. Cyber Monday sales cater to the online shopping market, while 4th of July specials often feature more outdoor-related price cuts. So, do people spend more money during Black Friday?

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While the frantic chaos of Black Friday is real, the most hectic day of the year for retailers is actually the Friday and Saturday before Christmas. So, if you’re one of those last minute shoppers and don’t like big crowds, make sure to plan ahead of time!
This is fiction.

#7. Wind Is The Biggest Reason Leaves Fall From Trees.

Generally, the weather can get quite sporadic during the latter months of the year. From snow, to rain, wind, to sleet, Mother Nature definitely doesn’t hold back. In most cases, this is also the time when trees start to shed the majority of their leaves too. So, is this correlation or causation? Is the wind to blame for bare tree branches during the fall season?

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Sure, a strong gust can break some leaves away from their branches, but there’s a more scientific reason behind it. As light exposure decreases in the fall, leaves start to produce a hormone that boosts growth between their stem and leaf. Because of this growth, the leaves are essentially forced to fall off the stem.
This is fiction.

#8. Harvest Moons Occur During Autumn.

Between new moons, full moons, super moons, blood moons, and solar eclipses, there’s plenty of reason to have your eyes to the sky (safely, of course.) Heck, there’s even a super blood moon! Nonetheless, there are many different alignments of the sun and moon that happen all throughout the year. So, which type of moon lays claim to the autumn season.

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As the earth’s equator lines up with the sun’s center, the moon rises as a full moon. It appears noticeably brighter and earlier than most full moons, usually near the end of September or beginning of October. When it almost reaches the horizon, it can appear orange, like a giant pumpkin. This bright, early moonlight is helpful for farmers as they harvest summer crops, resulting in its name of “Harvest Moon.”
This is fact.

#9. Turkey Is More Popular During Christmas Than Thanksgiving.

Move over mashed potatoes and figgy pudding! Turkey is undoubtedly a fan favorite at Thanksgiving. But, did you know that its popularity stretches throughout the rest of the holiday season? Likewise, many families have ventured out for more non-traditional meals as well, like with a brisket, duck, or even seafood. Indeed, there’s plenty of tasty turkey to go around, but has it now become the face of Christmas dinner?

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Although a nice hearty turkey can feed an army of family members, the real showstopper during Christmas dinner is a nicely roasted spiral cut ham. The jury is still out on whether turkey or ham sandwiches are preferred the day after, though.
This is fiction.

Click here to learn how to stay safe with physical therapy this fall season.