秋, pronounced "qiū" in Mandarin, refers to the season of autumn in East Asia. It typically occurs from September to November and is characterized by cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the changing colors of leaves. During this time, many trees, such as maple and ginkgo, display vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. In Chinese culture, 秋 is associated with harvest and gratitude. Festivals like 中秋节 (Mid-Autumn Festival) celebrate the bounty of the season, where families gather to enjoy mooncakes and admire the full moon. This season symbolizes reflection and preparation for the winter months ahead.