Little action and few posts in the Forum. It must be the "Dog Days of Summer"
AI Overview:
The term "dog days of summer" refers to the hottest, most humid period of the year, typically occurring in late July and August. While the name evokes images of dogs panting in the heat, its origins are actually tied to the star Sirius, also known as the Dog Star.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Ancient Origins:
The ancient Greeks and Romans associated the hottest days of summer with the rising of Sirius (the Dog Star) alongside the sun.
Negative Connotations:
Ancient civilizations believed that the combined heat of Sirius and the sun caused extreme temperatures and even brought misfortune, including drought, disease, and madness, both in humans and animals.
Modern Usage:
Today, the term "dog days of summer" is primarily used to describe the hottest part of the summer, with less emphasis on the negative connotations.
Timing:
The dog days are generally considered to be the 40 days between July 3rd and August 11th, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Not About Actual Dogs:
While the name includes "dog," the term is not directly about the animal, though it is often associated with the heat and its effects on pets according to blog.myollie.com.