Have you ever wondered where the phrase “Dog Days of Summer” came from? You may conjure up images in your mind of a bunch of lazy dogs lying around because it’s hot. Actually, it refers to the hottest days of summer in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the days you are likely to be the most uncomfortable. The Crossville Chronicle, a Tennessee newspaper, tells us that Southern lore included the belief that ghosts were more prevalent during the Dog Days of Summer. It is said that women would wash walls with vinegar to keep bad spirits out. In addition, they believed that you should wear your socks inside out, wear a cross around your neck and paint your porch ceiling blue to replicate water. (Apparently, evil spirits and ghosts cannot cross water.)
Fun Facts
The phrase “Dog Days of Summer” actually originates from the ancient Romans who associated this period with the star Sirius, also known as the “Dog Star”. Romans believed that the heat from the sun and the energy from Sirius combined to make these the hottest days of the year and could lead to catastrophe and illness. In the Northern Hemisphere, this period is typically from July 3rd to August 11th. The Romans further believed that snakes would go blind and dogs could go mad during this time…resulting in the phrase “Dog days of summer.”
Although the Dog Days of Summer are in fact the hottest, they really don’t have anything to do with either dogs or Sirius. Instead, the tilt of the Earth explains why these days tend to be the summer’s hottest. This also explains why the Dog Days of summer are from late January to early March in the Southern hemisphere.
Regardless of your location, this summer is going to be a hot one. Stay hydrated, take breaks from the heat when outside and …maybe start wearing your socks inside out.
