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, and phrensies." according to Brady’s Clavis Calendaria, 1813. It was really just time to come in out of the sun and have some lemonade for heaven's sake.
The official Dog Days have been moved around by kings and other authorities, but if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, July and August are usually hot and rainfall may be a little scarce. So, in recognition of the canines rise to power at this time of year, the weekend columns will be dog related. This also goes along with Family Matters, and Haley, Gracie's intrepid black Labrador.
As one who's vacuumed her share of black and yellow dog hair from furniture, clothing, carpets, and vehicles, I've picked up a few things--more than hair. Labs have been part of our family for over 20 years and I've done a little show obedience, therapy dog work, and some other canine things. I hope you'll enjoy the Dog Day columns. We're starting a little ahead of Dog Days--there's so much to talk about!
And if you haven't gotten your copy of Family Matters, now is the time for a summer mystery.
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, and phrensies." according to Brady’s Clavis Calendaria, 1813. It was really just time to come in out of the sun and have some lemonade for heaven's sake.
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| Clancy - Hot on the Trail |
The official Dog Days have been moved around by kings and other authorities, but if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, July and August are usually hot and rainfall may be a little scarce. So, in recognition of the canines rise to power at this time of year, the weekend columns will be dog related. This also goes along with Family Matters, and Haley, Gracie's intrepid black Labrador.
As one who's vacuumed her share of black and yellow dog hair from furniture, clothing, carpets, and vehicles, I've picked up a few things--more than hair. Labs have been part of our family for over 20 years and I've done a little show obedience, therapy dog work, and some other canine things. I hope you'll enjoy the Dog Day columns. We're starting a little ahead of Dog Days--there's so much to talk about!
And if you haven't gotten your copy of Family Matters, now is the time for a summer mystery.
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