saisons

Saisons is the French word for the seasons of the year. In French, the term encompasses spring (printemps), summer (été), autumn (automne), and winter (hiver).

In Western calendars, seasons are commonly understood through two frameworks. Astronomical seasons are defined by solstices and equinoxes and vary with latitude; meteorological seasons assign three-month blocks: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November), and winter (December-February) in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite in time.

Regional variation is significant. In tropical regions, terms often reflect wet and dry seasons rather than fourfold divisions. In many cultures, seasonal calendars guide agriculture, festivals, and daily life.

In brewing, saison is a pale, farmhouse ale from Wallonia, Belgium; it is typically fruity, spicy, and highly carbonated. When English texts refer to more than one example, the plural form saisons is used.