the Dog Days of Summer are here — but what does that phrase really mean, and where did it come from?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Definition: What Are the Dog Days of Summer?
The term “dog days of summer” refers to the hottest, most sweltering part of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this period officially falls between July 3 and August 11, when the weather is known for being intensely hot and humid.
But this expression has a celestial backstory dating back thousands of years.
🌌 Why “Dog Days”? The Astronomical Origin
The name is tied to Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, the brightest star in the Canis Major (Greater Dog) constellation. During early July, Sirius rises and sets with the sun, leading the ancient Greeks and Romans to believe that its presence intensified the sun’s heat, causing the scorching temperatures we still associate with this time of year.
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The word “Sirius” comes from the Greek word seirios, which means “scorching” or “glowing.”
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The Latin phrase dies caniculares — or “dog days” — was later translated directly into English in the early 1500s, becoming the idiomatic phrase we still use today.
❓ Is Sirius Really to Blame for the Heat?
Nope! While the ancient belief was poetic, modern science tells us that Sirius has no effect on Earth’s weather. The summer heat is simply due to the Earth’s tilt and orbit, which causes the sun’s rays to hit our region more directly during this period.
Still, the nickname stuck, and today we use “dog days of summer” as a common expression to describe the muggy, sun-soaked stretch of mid-summer.
🌞 How People Use the Term Today
In modern usage, “dog days” can refer to:
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Lazy, lethargic afternoons in the heat
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Peak vacation season
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Times of low energy or productivity
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A nostalgic reference to childhood summers, baseball games, or backyard BBQs
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