The “dog days of summer” is usually the most miserable time of the year, especially in the South. It is so named because, for a few weeks in July and August, we are under the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog), which contains the “Dog Star,” Sirius.
The ancient Egyptians blamed the Dog Days for a season of flooding of the Nile. Sirius was the watchdog for that event.
The Romans, as well, were no fans of that star. They blamed Sirius for the humidity and sweltering temperatures. They thought they might soothe the Dog Days by sacrificing a bit of dark beer. Evidently, they were unaware that beer is more effective when consumed than poured onto the ground. I suppose we Southerners are smarter than Romans in some cases.
Our more recent ancestors considered Dog Days to be an evil time “when the seas boiled, wine turned sour … dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics … ” (Brady”s Clavis Calendarium, 1813).
Well, these days we have air conditioning, ceiling fans and sweet tea. Global warming aside, the seas are only boiling figuratively, not literally.
But, pity the poor dog. This species gets blamed for so much horror. Shakespeare has Julius Caesar saying, “Cry ”Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war.” (Act 3, Scene 1). I have a friend who often says, “I will release the ”Hounds of Hell.”” But, he seldom does.
This time of year it is hard to imagine dogs getting excited enough to cause havoc, or wars of any sort. Occasionally, my girls just lift their lazy heads from the soft sofa, and give a small warning woof to people daring enough to walk in front of our house. This may be to say “How dare you walk on the city streets?” However, it is more likely to mean, “Are you insane? It”s about a million degrees out there!”
What can we do to survive during these weeks? We try to expend as little energy as possible. I sometimes wish I had oven mitts to touch the steering wheel in the car. Chris is making the best sweet tea ever. It has lots of lemon, a bit of orange juice and sprigs of fresh mint from the garden of our neighbors, Greg and Jyl. (Better than beer in my book.)
This is a good time to do almost nothing. Rest, read and get ready for an exciting autumn. So many great events are coming up: the Tennessee Williams Tribute, Wassail Fest, football and school events. Watch the Rosenzweig Arts Center for an entire season of cool programs of art, music and hands-on demonstrations.
These days of unbearable heat will soon end. In the meantime, I plan to hang out under the ceiling fan on my porch with my dogs, as I wait for the season to change. (Don”t forget to give your babies plenty of fresh water. After all, they are wearing fur coats.)
And remember, too, dogs — or even dog stars — have no power to make “the seas boil and wine turn sour … ” It is up to man to keep things calm. I believe it”s time for my nap.
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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