The expression the “dog days” gives rise to the humid, hot days of summer when we are all just looking for a cool, shaded spot to wait out the sweltering day. I assumed that our canine friends got singled out and tagged with the expression. Turns out it was something different.
The dog in dog days is the Dog Star, aka Sirius, the star that represents the hound of the hunter Orion in the eponymous constellation. The star has long been associated with sultry weather in the northern hemisphere because it rises simultaneously with the sun during the hottest days of summer. (Thanks to Merriam Webster for this tidbit of etymology)
Discover more from friarmusings
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
friarmusings 
Cool! I really enjoy your out-of-bible excursions, Fr. George, and thank you for them. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there’s “three dog night.” Which does in fact involve our trusty canines in the warmth cycle. Tried to look up its origin (which is uncertain but either Alaska or Australia are suspect), but instead got pages of hits about a 60s American rock group who are currently still selling tickets to concerts. Who knew.