The Dog Days of Summer
It's the Dog Days of Summer, the time of the year when you give thanks for working in an air conditioned office. The term "Dog Days" comes from ancient times, based on the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. The name Sirius is derived from the Greek word Seirius, meaning searing or scorching. Because of it's brightness and its dawn rising during the peak of summer, the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians all blamed the hot sultry weather on the Dog Star.
Modern Dog Days of Summer rituals include sacrificing hot dogs on the barbeque, eating watermelon and spitting the seeds; licking ice cream cones; splashing in swimming pools; lounging on beaches; and panting like a dog in front of a fan. Summer is winding down and despite the weather many people hate to see it end.
There's no shortage of references to "Dog Days" in popular culture. If you're stuck inside hiding from the heat, check out some Dog Day entertainment:
- Dog Day Afternoon, a 1975 film
- Music by the band Dog Day
- Dog Days, a 1975 album and song by the Atlanta Rhythm Section
- "Dog Day Sunrise", a song by the band Head of David
- Dog Days of Summer, a 2008 film
- "Dog Days are Over", a 2008 song by Florence and the Machine
Image courtesy of Susan E. Adams.