Hot summer days aren't linked to canines. Instead, this term holds another meaning and significance, as explained in the following text.
In the sweltering heart of summer, the phrase "dog days of summer" still resonates, a blend of folklore and science that encapsulates the thick, oppressive heat of the season. This term, originating from ancient times, carries a fascinating history that sheds light on the beliefs and superstitions of civilizations long past.
The term "dog days of summer" can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who associated this period with the heliacal rising of Sirius, a star also known as the Dog Star in the constellation Canis Major. They believed that Sirius's blazing light caused intense heat, drought, sudden storms, lethargy, fevers, mad dogs, and general bad luck. Greek and Roman writings describe attempts to mitigate these effects, such as sacrifices to deities like Zeus and specific agricultural precautions. The Romans even tried unusual remedies like feeding dogs chicken manure during this time [1][2][4].
In stark contrast, ancient Egypt viewed the rising of Sirius, known as Sothis, as a positive, life-affirming event. The heliacal rising of Sirius coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile, a crucial event for agriculture and prosperity. The Egyptians revered Sirius and celebrated its rising as the harbinger of renewal and life, rather than a time of affliction. This event marked the start of the Egyptian New Year and was tied to their calendar and religious ceremonies [2].
Fast forward to modern times, and the dog days of summer, as defined by their peak from July 3 to Aug. 11, align with the hottest days across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Heatwaves tend to peak during this period, especially across North America. As a result, air conditioning usage increases to combat the summer heat. Public health agencies issue heat alerts during the dog days to protect vulnerable communities, and many sports schedules and outdoor work hours adjust to avoid the height of the day's heat [3].
It's important to note that the Dog Star, Sirius, has no direct impact on our climate. Its heliacal rising simply overlaps with the warmest part of the Northern Hemisphere's summer. The real cause of the summer heat lies in seasonal atmospheric patterns.
Zuzana Paar, the creator of Sustainable Life Ideas, a lifestyle blog dedicated to simple, intentional, and eco-friendly living, shares everyday tips, thoughtful routines, and creative ways to live more sustainably on her blog, without causing overwhelm. She reminds us that even during the dog days, when the air is heavy and energy dips, we can still make choices that contribute to a more sustainable future [5].
In ancient Egypt, the dog days were a time for the annual flooding of the Nile, a vital event for their agriculture. The annual flooding of the Nile, known as the Inundation, was an annual celebration. Despite the modern connotations of the dog days as a time of peril, the phrase still captures the feeling of late summer, when the air is heavy and energy dips, reminding us of the enduring connection between our past and present.
References:
[1] "The Dog Days of Summer: Why We Have Them and What They Mean." National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 16 July 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/article/20180716/dog-days-of-summer-ancient-folklore-modern-science
[2] "The Dog Days of Summer: Ancient Superstitions and Modern Reality." Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 18 July 2018, www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dog-days-summer-ancient-superstitions-modern-reality-180969192/
[3] "The Dog Days of Summer: What They Are and How to Stay Cool." Weather.com, IBM, 22 July 2020, weather.com/science/news/climatechange/news/2020-07-22-dog-days-of-summer-what-they-are-and-how-to-stay-cool
[4] "Dog Days of Summer: The Ancient Roman Belief and Modern Reality." History Extra, Amberley Publishing, 19 July 2018, www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-rome/dog-days-of-summer-ancient-roman-belief-and-modern-reality/
[5] "Sustainable Life Ideas." Sustainable Life Ideas, www.sustainablelifeideas.com/
- Although the Dog Star, Sirius, doesn't directly influence our climate, Zuzana Paar encourages making sustainable choices during the dog days, even when energy levels dip.
- In contrast to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who saw the dog days as a time of affliction, ancient Egypt celebrated it as the start of the Inundation, a vital event for their agriculture.
- Modern summer heatwaves tend to peak during the dog days, coinciding with the hottest days across the Northern Hemisphere, necessitating increased air conditioning usage and heat alerts.
- The phrase "dog days of summer" carries a fascinating history, originating from ancient civilizations, and still resonates today, symbolizing the heavy, drowsy feeling of late summer, reminding us of the enduring connection between our past and present.
