Mary Allen
Introduction: The Dog Days of Summer
The term "dog days of summer" refers to the hottest and most oppressive period of summer, usually between July and August. It’s a time when the weather is often sultry and stagnant, and the heat can be unbearable. But where did this term come from? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the phrase and its enduring legacy.
Ancient Astronomy and the Dog Star
The origins of the term "dog days" can be traced back to ancient astronomy and the Dog Star, Sirius. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, and was an important celestial object to many ancient cultures. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Sirius was responsible for the hot, dry weather of summer, and that its appearance in the sky signaled the beginning of the hottest period of the year.
The Mythical Dog, Sirius
The name "Sirius" comes from the Greek word for "glowing" or "scorching," and the star was often associated with mythical dogs in ancient cultures. In Greek mythology, Sirius was said to be the hunting dog of Orion the Hunter, and was known as the "Dog Star." In Egyptian mythology, Sirius was associated with the goddess Isis and was known as the "Nile Star," as its appearance in the sky signaled the annual flooding of the Nile River.
The Rise of Ancient Rome
As the Roman Empire rose to power, the beliefs surrounding Sirius and the Dog Star became more widespread. The Romans believed that the hottest days of summer were caused by the alignment of Sirius with the sun, and they called this period "caniculares dies," or "dog days." The term was used to refer to the period from late July to early September, when the weather was at its hottest and most oppressive.
Caniculares Dies and the Roman Calendar
The Romans included the dog days in their calendar, which was divided into twelve months based on the phases of the moon. The dog days were included in the month of August, which was named after the emperor Augustus. The month originally had only 30 days, but Augustus added a day to it to make it the same length as July, which was named after Julius Caesar.
The Belief in the Star’s Power
The ancient Romans believed that Sirius had powerful and sometimes dangerous effects on the world. They thought that the star’s alignment with the sun could cause earthquakes, fevers, and even madness in humans and animals. To protect themselves from these effects, they would make sacrifices to the gods and avoid certain activities during the dog days, such as getting married or starting new businesses.
The Term "Dog Days" Enters English
The term "dog days" entered the English language in the 16th century, and was used to refer to the hot, sultry days of summer. In the 19th century, the phrase "dog days of summer" became popularized in literature and culture, and has since become a common expression used to describe this period of the year.
Popularization in Literature and Culture
The term "dog days of summer" has been used in a variety of works of literature and popular culture. It appears in Shakespeare’s "Julius Caesar," where Mark Antony says, "These are the dog days, when the air is still." It also appears in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, where Scout describes the summer heat as "the dog days."
Modern Usage and Understanding
Today, the term "dog days of summer" is used to describe the hottest and most oppressive period of summer, regardless of whether or not Sirius is visible in the sky. While the belief in the star’s power has largely faded, the term has endured, and is still used to describe this period of the year.
Scientific Explanation of the Weather
While the ancient beliefs surrounding Sirius and the dog days may seem quaint to modern scientists, there is some scientific basis for the term. The dog days typically coincide with the hottest period of the year, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Dog Days
The term "dog days of summer" may have originated in ancient beliefs about the power of the Dog Star, but it has since become a cultural touchstone that endures to this day. Whether we believe in the star’s power or not, we can all agree that the dog days of summer are a time when the weather can be oppressively hot and uncomfortable.
References and Further Reading
- "The Dog Days of Summer: What Are They? Why Are They Called That?" by Sarah Pruitt, History.com
- "Dog Days," by Deborah Byrd, EarthSky
- "Why Are They Called the ‘Dog Days’ of Summer?" by Matt Soniak, Mental Floss