Superstition and the Dog Days of Summer | by Jennifer Van Orman | Medium 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. Infertility is a painful reality for scores of hopeful parents all over the world. Photograph by Ann Ronan Pictures, Print Collector/Getty. Dog Days is the name for the most sultry period of summer, from about July 3 to Aug. 11. While spirits seldom pose a threat to the living, they can, and do, wreak havoc if given half a chance. She would look around like she had sensed a spirit. Heres the technology that helped scientists find itand what it may have been used for. To the Greeks and Romans, the dog days occurred around the time Sirius appears to rise alongside the sun, in late July in the Northern Hemisphere. In Anglo-Saxon times, the "dog days of summer" ran from July 14- September 5. Saturday's high of 104, reached at 4:56 p.m.,. The ancient origins of this common phrasemight surprise you. If a dog refuses to enter a room despite its owner's best efforts to coax them across the threshold, this indicates that something tragic has occurred in the space or will in the near future. We have always associated the month with heat and humidity and refer to this time of year as the dog days of summer. The idiom dog days traditionally refers to the hottest period of the late summer. the dog days 1. The Iliad can provide new insights on the role of motherhood among the ancient Greek gods, and by extension, amongst ancient mortal Greek women themselves. The hunting dog of Orion, his appearance was generally not a welcome omen. When we dont know the origin of a phrase, we come up with a plausible explanation. On double-secret probation. The Danite champion was evidently taken as the messiah of a widespread solar cult and, along with his canine accomplices, gained heavenly status. Dog Days of Summer is about a young girl named Vivian entering into the last summer before she graduates college. In other words Sirius (the Dog Star) is not there at or before sunrise anymore. On July 23, specifically . We nowadays call it Canis Minor. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The "dog days" are supposedly the hottest days of summer, but the name has nothing to do with dogs who lie panting in cool dirt trenches. As most of us were taught in our earliest history [Read More] about Was George Really Americas First President? Our Earth is like a spinning top, said Bradley Schaefer, professor of physics and astronomy at Louisiana State University. And the others don't explain how the stars (naturally associated with the wildfire season, because of their place in the summer sky,) became linked with dogs (who have no obvious affiliation with the wildfire season). These punishingly hot summer days get their name from an ancient belief about the brightest star in the skynot from dogs tendency to laze around in the heat. Our modern concept of "dog days" is commonly traced by etymologists back through the Romans, to the Greeks, and yes, even as far back as the Egyptians. Many of them originate from Greek mythology. ( Wikimedia Commons ). The exuberant canine is simply relaying to the living that a loved one for whom they still grieve has made the transition and is at peace. In the latitude of the Mediterranean region this . This superstition dates back to medieval times, when animals with dark fur were symbolic of death. in northeast Africa. But when accompanied by rain, The Warriors Who Shaped African History: The Horsemen of Oyo, Royal Mistress Jane Shore Walked Streets of London in her Underwear, Leonardo Da Vincis Notes Show He Understood Gravity Long Before Newton, Talks Begin on Repatriating Remains of Patrick Sarsfield, Irish War Hero, The Ramessid Dynasty: A Golden Era in Ancient Egypt, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Unleashing the End of the World, Unraveling the Mystery of the Carnac Stones: An Ancient Puzzle of Epic Proportions, Unraveling the Enigma of Aramu Muru, The Mysterious Gate of the Gods, Alleged Sighting of the Mythical Manananggal in the Philippines Causes Public Anxiety. Dog days definition, the sultry part of the summer, supposed to occur during the period that Sirius, the Dog Star, rises at the same time as the sun: now often reckoned from July 3 to August 11. Launched in 2020, this observation held during the dog days of summer celebrates all the special joy of dogs. You know your dog is adorable and your phone is filled with pics that prove it. The phrase dog days was translated from Latin to English about 500 years ago. Was George Really Americas First President. So we would too. Dog Day Care Center. Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. Weather Wisdom: The Dog Days of Summer - YouTube 0:00 / 0:53 Weather Wisdom: The Dog Days of Summer 16,851 views Jul 19, 2011 12 Dislike Share Save Old Farmer's Almanac 10.7K subscribers. When snakes are about to shed their skin in summer, their eyes cloud over as the old eye covering layer is replaced with a new one. The main mechanism for canine temperature control is the very visible panting we observe in our pets. It is mentioned in Greek poetry as far back as 700 BC. Sirius is a bright star and during the summer it rises with the sun. The kid as the goat Samson visited his wife with a kid (Judges 15:1), a goat is said to have broken into the vineyard, and nibbled the tenderest leaves he saw there. It was more of a feeling. The Roman tradition sought to retaliate in kind, against all foxes for the loss of the crop. What the heck are "cat days"? In other words, the combined heat of super-bright Sirius and our Sun was thought to be the cause ofsummers sweltering temperatures. Celebration of raw feeding for pets for the month of . Since most earthbound spirits go out of their way to lay low, being outed by the family pet is a complication they neither want nor need. Copyright 2023 TheSouthern.Life Site design by: weblotech.com, about Entrepreneur, Firebrand and Controversial Character; Cas Walker. While some of these four-legged wanderers are shy and fearful, others act as if they have known us their entire lives. Dog Days of Summer is sponsored by: Since its rising also coincided with a time of extreme heat, the connection with hot, sultry weather was made for all time: Dog Days bright and clear indicate a happy year. Example #2: "Everyone should drink plenty of water during the dog days as dehydration is common during those days.". These skeletons may have the answer, Scientists are making advancements in birth controlfor men, Blood cleaning? And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there existcountless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts thathave yet to be discovered and explained. Ancient Greeks noticed that Siruswhich they dubbed the dog star as it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Majorappears to rise alongside the sun in late July. (The summers of 2021 and 1936 are the two other hottest summers on record, with the summer of 2021 beating the Dust Bowl summer by less than .01 degrees F, with the average temperature coming in at 74 . Since then, it has taken on new meanings. Theres another reason that the dog days dont correspond neatly with the heat: The stars in Earths night sky shift independently of our calendar seasons. Of course, this means that for people in the Central, Mountain and Pacific time zones in the . However in this article I hope to convince the reader that the influence of the Old Testament story about Samson and the foxes (Judges 15:1-6), also has a place in discovering the origin of this well-known idiom. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoristhe Greater Dogwhich is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its officialname, Alpha Canis Majoris. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? If you tie Fido up outside, make sure he, or she, has plenty of water and access to shade. Dog Days of Summer! hot summer hot dog dog fan panting dog dog in pool ice cream heat wave air conditioner waves thermostat Sort by: Most popular My mom always said that ordinary house flies will bite during dog days. First, let's show that a "dog" may once have been a "fox." Share. For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius appeared just before the Nile's flooding season, so they used the star as an indicator of the flood. The dog days of summer are a difficult period for those who have to work out in the open. Throughout history, people have sought out furry (and not-so-furry) friends to spend their days with. Cat Nights harks back to a rather obscure old Irish legend concerning witches and the belief that a witch could turn herself into a cat eight times, but on the ninth time (August 17), she couldnt regain her human form. It is also believed that a stray dog who smothers a stranger with attention is acting on behalf of someone who has completed their journey into the afterlife. You can email the show at ShortWave@NPR.org. This means that the dog days of ancient Greece arent the dog days of today. Sirius is one star in a group of stars that form the constellation Canis Major, meaning Greater Dog. Its no surprise, then, that the nickname of this big, bold star becamethe DogStar.. Divorce, financial hardship, health scares, and even homelessness are said to await those who ignore a dog that cannot touch all four paws to the ground. We eventually learned that his former owner had been taken away in an ambulance after suffering a heart attack from which he never recovered. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the unofficial authority on all things folklore and weather-related, the phrase "dog days" refers to the hottest time of the year, which is the 40 days that span from July 3 through August 11. And although Herakles, like Samson, was associated with his "pillars" he wasn't blinded, however Oedipus was. Like they are blowing the lid off of all of everything and cracking it all wide open. Historians say the phrase dates back to. For the ancient Egyptians, the dawn rising of Sirius (known to them as Sothis) also coincided the Nile Rivers flood season. He was also a major Messianic figure, promoted far and wide as the much anticipated hero. The month itself gets its name from Caesar Augustus, adopted son of Julius Caesar. Photo: WIXY.com. Ancient Romans believed Sirius contributed to the sun's heat and thus referred to this extremely hot period as dis caniculrs, or "dog days." The term evolved to mean the 20 days before and. She also thought storms were worse during dog days. The Almanac explains: August 11 coincides with the heliacal (at sunrise) rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. Why dog days? Archaeologists unearthed an extensive animal burial ground at the 2,000-year-old port of Berenice on the Red Sea coast of Egypt a decade ago. Throughout the history of civilization, the concept of the apocalypse has been ever present, in one way or another. Many of them originate from Greek mythology. Aristaeus, an ancient divinity worshiped in Ceos, which had once been inhabited by Pelasgians." What is true of domesticated dogs today, has been a socio-cultural and historical phenomenon developed over thousands of years, 15, Do not ever try this at home, but it looks like Bronze Age dogs were vegetarians! In mythology, the name Sirius is used in a variety of stories, including the dog of Icarus. Viewed as undesirables who were obviously up to no good, the victims were often blamed for the circumstances that led to their untimely demise. A bigger mystery to me is why August 17th is designated as the start of "Cat Days" in the almanac and always has been. The people welcomed this event, called the Inundation, because the floodwaters brought rich soil needed to grow crops in what was otherwise adesert. No one in Egypt knew exactly when the flooding would start, but they noticed a coincidence that gave them a clue: The water began to rise on the days when Sirius (known to them as Sothis) began to rise before the Sun. In ancient times, people associated the heat during this period with the concurrent rising of Sirius, nicknamed "the dog star." The phrase is a translation of the Latin dies caniculares, meaning "dog star days." Be careful with fireworks, for serious. Like they are blowing the lid off of all of everything and cracking it all wide open. Fate's punishment for this act of indifference is to hobble the careless observer, metaphorically speaking. The 40 days, beginning July 3 and ending August 11 coincide with the heliacal (at sunrise) rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. For instance, we discovered soon after adopting one of our canine companions that he has an unnerving habit of howling every time he hears a siren. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The dog, anticipating the emotions this joyous reunion will bring, cannot conceal its enthusiasm. The result is a periodic (about every 26,000 years) wobble, which changes our perspective with respect to how we view the surrounding stars and constellations. My brother never went barefooted, and probably still doesnt to this day, all because of what could have happened during the dog days of summer in 1975. ( Wikimedia Commons ). Instead, the dog days refer to Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which means big dog in Latin and is said to represent one of Orions hunting dogs. Given that Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, its not hard to find. Where she takes it and how her summer plays out will depend mostly on the player. So, the next time Fido wants to go to town on a bothersome scratch or bruise, don't be afraid that he or she will make things worse. It has nothing to do with dogs at all. Thus explaining why certain stars were dogs and, how the Sun, in conjunction with the dog stars was responsible for burning fields. (Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. It also means that several millennia from now, this astrological event wont even occur during the summer. According to the Farmer's Almanac - the span from July 3 until August 11 is traditionally known as the dog days of summer. I've been spending my days counting all of the ways that I love you, And the sum of the ways that I counted amounted to one. It is believed that dogs not only possess the ability to see specters but can also drive them away if need be. Dog Days of Summer v 0.5.4.1. In ancient Greece and Rome, the Dog Days were believed to be a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat! Closed now. This is soon after the Summer Solstice in late June, which also tends to be the beginning of the worst of summer's heat. The phrase dog days goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, who reigned from around 3100 B.C. Artist and writer. The inextricable chase went on until Zeus, perplexed by their contradictory fates, turned both to stone and cast them into the stars as the constellations Canis Major (Laelaps) and Canis Minor (the Teumessian fox). Thus the season, previously established by the Egyptians with flooding, took on a new connection with crop burning wildfires. In Samson's story, the paired canines were foxes, connected at their tails, a blazing fire between them. Do they do this during dog days, In reply to My rooster not crowing and staying on perch by Diane Carroll (not verified). But centuries ago, the land that is now the United States was a very different place What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? Canicula rising with its heat, scorched the land of the Ceans, and robbed their fields of produce Their king, Aristaeus, son of Apollo and Cyrene, and father of Actaeon, asked his father by what means he could free the state from affliction. about Pet Dogs in the Bronze Age Given Vegetarian Diet! The simple exercise of rubbing an injury can hasten healing since it acts to manipulate the area, sending an army of antibodies to the rescue. All rights reserved. Disease would also be on the rise. pixabay 1. Today, the phrase doesnt conjure up such bad imagery. And here from Quintus Smyrnaeus; "up springs Helios in glory, flashing fire far over earth-fire, when beside his radiant chariot-team races the red star Sirius" (Quintus Smyrnaeus, "Fall of Troy" 8. Mar 24, 2020 at 11:41 PM. Example #3: "Katherine and I once went on a hoke during the dog days. Among the Greeks these stars (namely Sirius and Canicula) were anciently a pair of one dog "Laelaps", and one fox "the Teumessian fox"; Laelaps was a female Greek mythological dog who never failed to catch what she was hunting. (Statius, "Silvae" 3.1.5). Understanding the Mysterious Kingdom of Shambhala, The Green Children of Woolpit: Legendary Visitors from Another World, Medieval Sea Monster Was Likely a Whale, New Research Reveals, Adventist Adventurer Claimed to Have Found Ark of the Covenant Beneath Crucifixion Site, The Curious Apparitions of Pagan Goddesses to the German Knights Templar, Research Confirms That 20% of the Neanderthal Genome Can Be Found In Modern Humans, The Truth Behind the Christ Myth: Ancient Origins of the Often Used Legend Part I, Theyre Alive! Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something. Megalithic Sites Are More than Just Stone, Neanderthal-Human Sex Caused a Million Covid Deaths, Caesars Savage Human Skewers Unearthed In German Fort, The Evidence is Cut in Stone: A Compelling Argument for Lost High Technology in Ancient Egypt. If you're interested in the origins associated with sambok, and about the foods to help boost your stamina, read on to learn more about sambok: chobok, jungbok, malbok. ISBN 978-1-4654-0353-7). Former Penguins center Joe Vitale, on this week's episode of the Spittin&rsquo . Available from: www.godrules.net/library/clarke/clarkejud15.htm, Judges 15:4-14 Bible Study Tools. May brings us the reminder to microchip our pets, as well as days to celebrate both mixed-breed and purebred dogs, a celebration of the specially abled pets and a nod to Chihuahuas who absolutely deserve their own day.. All Month Long: As lore has it, to witness the animal's plight and do nothing will result in a spate of bad luck befalling the person who turned their back on a soul in need. The lengths to which Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will go to satisfy his superstitions are well known. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The "dog days" of summer are actually named after the "dog star," Siriusthe brightest star in the sky besides the sun. They have a connection to astrology pertaining to the star Sirius which is part of the constellation named the Greater Dog. (Aratus, "Phaenomena" 328 ff.). Summer Quotes. So, before the dog days are over, have a listen perhaps as you head out to the sky in search of the dog star. "), Oktateuch, Vatopedi monastery, 13 th century ( Wikimedia Commons ). They didnt have James Spann to explain weather patterns back then. To prevent this, she hummed hymns and spoke about the Lord. FACT has negotiated favorable agreements on behalf of its members with reputable benefit providers, all of whom assume full responsibility for their programs. Mosquito bites and simple scratches, especially cat scratches, were more prone to becoming infected. 4). Availability, scope. So, at his father's command, Aristaeus made ritual offerings in the hills to the Dog-star and to Zeus Kronides himself. Watch our video on the Dog Days and the Dog Star! Forecasters predict an onslaught of heavy snow, ice, flooding and powerful winds from Thursday to Saturday in a broad swath of the country, from the Plains and Midwest to the East Coast. Right: Herakles fighting a lion ( Wikimedia Commons ). The Old Farmer's Almanac marks the time as 40 days from July 3 to Aug. 11, coinciding with the rising of the star Sirius, also called the Dog Star. Dogs, sensing the presence of these supernatural interlopers, will often alert their owners that something is amiss. As such, the story made its way to Greece, where the Pelasgians apparently knew him as Aristaeus. Dog Days , the phrase invokes the hottest, most stifling days of summer.The 40 days, beginning July 3 and ending August 11 coincide with the heliacal (at sunrise) rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. This period marks the hottest time of summer in the northern hemisphere climatologically speaking.. Dog Days bright and clear (Hyginus, Astronomica, 2. Sirius is part of the Canis Major constellation, lower and to the left of Orion. The Teumessian Fox Alopex Teurmesios. Continue along the rewards path to earn the Boss . They have a connection to astrology pertaining to the star Sirius -. The frantic animal rushed into the standing corn which was summarily consumed. Availability, scope and suppliers of these are subject to change without notice, and some restrictions and limitations may apply. ", Samson and the Foxes, miniature (Judges 15:1-8: "Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took torches, and turned the foxes tail to tail, and put one torch in the middle between two tails. So, the dog days of summer describe the most unbearable part of the summer, which is typically between July 3 and August 11.