When the thermometer rises in July and August, the Dog Days are here. Ever wonder why the string of hot, humid days belongs to the dogs? It comes straight from ancient Rome. The Romans believed that the sultry days of summer were caused by Sirius--no, not your satellite radio, but the star in the sky. It was all connected with the dog star, Sirius rising at about the same time as the sun. These days ran from July 24-August 24. They actually sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of time period to appease Sirius, which did absolutely no good, of course. While the simultaneous rising of the sun and Sirius is no longer true--it has to do with the equinoxes and other science stuff, the Dog Days have come down through the centuries, recognized by the Church and secular society alike. Dog Days were identified as evil days when "the Sea boiled, the Wine turned sour, Dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became languid; causing to man, among other diseases, burning fevers, hysterics...
Positively encouraging