The expression “dog days of summer” has been around about 500 years. It has nothing to do with dogs being hot, but some dogs around here sure are feeling the heat.
The phrase originates from ancient Greek and Roman times.
It refers to the period in late July and August when the weather is typically very hot and humid in the Northern Hemisphere. This period coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, which is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Greater Dog).
Those Greeks and Romans thought that the heat of the sun, in combination with the rise of Sirius, was totally responsible for sweltering weather.
Gimme more dog days of summer!
I will admit that I LOVE summertime — and I’ll take 90°+ any day.
When weed-eating the ditch with sweat stinging my eyes, I figured it wouldn’t be all that much better if it was only a little cooler. And I even chose to read a book outside rather than inside in the comfort of the A/C. (With my dog, of course!)
What about you? Will you be happier when fall cools things off? Or do you enjoy the dog days of summer most of all?
Now you know: In the span of less than 1 year, both President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office for separate reasons.