When:
🗓️ Around July 19
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
Before humankind
🐕🌟
As the temperature rises and the sun blazes in the sky, it’s time to celebrate the Dog Days of Summer!
During this time, the “Dog Star” rises in the sky and aligns with the sun, creating a period of hot and potentially dry weather.
This annual event is steeped in myth and superstition, with tales of heat, dry periods, and even mad dogs.
But don’t let the heat get you down, because the Dog Days are a time to celebrate, not to cower in fear!
So, where is the dog?
First things first, let’s dispel any myths about the Dog Days having anything to do with our furry friends.
Despite the name, the Dog Star, actually named Sirius, is actually a massive star located in the constellation Canis Major and not a cute and cuddly pup.
But if it were a real dog, it would probably be a sleek and speedy greyhound, given its incredible speed and bright, shining appearance.
In fact, Sirius is a great name for a black dog, as it’s the brightest star in the night sky.
Now, you may be wondering why the Dog Star won’t fetch if you throw it a stick.
That’s because the Dog Star is actually 8.6 light-years away from Earth, so throwing a stick is a bit of a challenge!
The Dog Days Reputation
If you’re feeling a bit hot under the collar during the Dog Days, it’s not just because of the scorching temperatures.
This time of year is also known for dry spells, thunderstorms, and even rumors of rising fevers and people howling at the moon.
Lucky or Unlucky?
In mythology and culture, the Dog Days have a rich history.
The ancient Greeks believed that during this time, the heat and dryness were caused by the dog-like constellation, Canis Major, following the sun too closely.
But despite the tales of mad dogs and bad luck, the Dog Days are also a time of good fortune.
According to ancient folklore, carrying a talisman made of St. John’s Wort during the Dog Days can bring good luck and ward off evil. And making puppies happy, especially black puppies, always brings good luck.
If you can’t find St. Johnswort or puppies wearing a charm or talisman in the shape of a dog brings good luck.
Some cultures even believe that a simple “Barking at Sirius” ritual during the Dog Days will ward off any bad luck.
And if all else fails, try throwing a nice stick. You never know.
How to celebrate the Dog Days
So, how can you celebrate the Dog Days? Well, here are a few suggestions:
- Get outside and stargaze! The Dog Star is easily visible in the night sky, so why not take a moment to appreciate its beauty.
- Have a picnic! With the warm weather, there’s no better time to enjoy a meal in the dog park.
- Turn up the heat with a barbeque! Grilled hot dogs, anyone?
- Channel your inner pup and bark at the moon.
- Name your new black pup after the Dog Star.
So, whether you’re a barking mad dog lover or just a lover of the stars, don’t let the heat get you down and have a pawsome time!
Woof woof!
🐶🌟
Dog days bright and clear
Indicate a good year;
But when accompanied by rain,
We hope for better times in vain.
#DogDays #GetSirius #DogStarSirius #DogStar