I think we’ve all heard the phrase, “Dog days of summer” before, but we may not be exactly sure what these “dog days” mean. Well, for this week’s Monday Morning Coffee, we’ll be offering somewhat of a history lesson, as well as some crucial tips to beat the heat and keep spirits up on the warmest days of the year. So, if you’re planning on reading with a coffee in hand, this week, we’d advise you to enjoy one on ice.
The origin of the “dog days” is quite interesting, so for history nerds out there, listen up. Thousands of years ago, ancient Greeks and Romans used stars to describe different events and times of the year. So, a star by the name of Sirius would appear near the end of July, which signaled to the people that the hottest days of summer were upon them. Interestingly, this star, Sirius, made up the nose of a constellation that resembled a dog. The Romans and Greeks called this period “dies caniculares” which translates to “days of the dog star” which turned into just “dog days” years later.
The science and astronomy behind this aren’t completely accurate, meaning Sirius is not in the same place every year, and it has no effect on the weather. However, the story behind the origination of the term is quite fascinating.
The dog days of summer can be sort of miserable. But, we’re here to offer you some advice and some things you can do to avoid this misery.
First, try your best to stay cool and well-hydrated. This seems like obvious advice, but many people simply forget to drink water. Try to enjoy rigorous outdoor activities either in the early mornings or late evenings, while the sun isn’t as strong. Stay indoors if temperatures are dangerously hot, or enjoy swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean to cool off (don’t forget sunscreen). One thing is key during this time…lots and lots of ice cream…or popsicles…or both.
So, feel free to play history teacher for the day and share your new factoid with friends and family. Remember, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat lots of cold treats during this time. It’s also okay to just stay inside until the dog days pass.