Dog Days are "the hottest, most sultry days of summer." They refer to a time period that is hot, the air is stagnant, and it can be "marked by dull lack of progress." Humans tend to sit around "dog-tired" hoping for rain. Some believe that wounds heal more slowly at this time. Dog Days are named for Sirus, the Dog Star because the Romans believed that Sirus' close proximity to the sun was the cause of this oppressive weather event (Wiki). "The Romans sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of dog days to appease the rage of Sirus" (Wiki).
Climate and latitude influence when Dog Days take place in a given community. In the Southeast, they have been going strong since July-- maybe letting up a little the past day or two. August 16th also happens to be the Feast Day of Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs. So, today is a DOUBLE dog day for us! We couldn't resist the opportunity to share this photo of two canines resting beside their respective owners in the Greensboro Arboretum. The brown dog at the right is thinking....... "I hope there aren't any ancient Romans in Greensboro!" The gray one, as vigilant as the gander who holds his head high guarding the flock, says, "don't worry, man, I got ya covered." Neither is aware that 34 years ago today (8/16/77) Elvis Presley died.
Have the dog days of summer affected you at all? Are you looking forward to Indian summer?
Our summer was a non-starter for a longtime. The black berries are just now coming on (month late), but I'll be ready for the season change, leaves turning, crispness in the morning air... I love fall!
Posted by: Madge | Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Really enjoyed reading today's blog (and not just because I am a dog lover)!
Posted by: Sabrown | Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Dog days are definitely here in Florida...rainy, hot & humid.
But then, it's a dog-eat-dog world. Or so I've been told.
Cute photos and an interesting post.
Posted by: Jacob | Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Very interesting. I am glad we don't kill brown dogs to appease the gods anymore.
Posted by: barb farr | Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 07:01 PM