So another Dog Day Afternoon has graced its presence in northern New Jersey today. That got me to wondering why do we refer to a hot summer day with this idiom? The dog days are not to be confused with the movie starring Al Pacino, or our lovable furry companions. The saying refers to the "dog star" known as Sirius. Its name is derived from the Greek word '"seirios", which means "scorching". The star is located in the constellation of Canis Major (Big Dog), imagine that! Sirius is the brightest star in our hemisphere during the summer months. Aha! That's why Sirius Radio has a little white dog as it's logo! So while a hot summer day will make your dog pant and run inside for the AC, the phrase was coined for a star at night that shines the brightest in the canine heavens!
Well, we did not know that at all. Thank you for the educational PSA. :) It was very interesting. So, it should be doggy nights and not dog days - right?
ReplyDeletewags, Lola