The “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of summer
![It's a dogs life, especially during summer. Learn the origin of 'dog days of summer' here! It's a dogs life, especially during summer. Learn the origin of 'dog days of summer' here!](/files/dog_days_of_summer.jpg) Dog Days of Summer? Click to enlarge
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The dictionary defines “dog days” as:
1: the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
2: a period of stagnation or inactivity
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But where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?” Here's the answer!
In ancient times, when the night sky was free from artificial lights people in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. These star pictures are called constellations, and the constellations as we know them came from our European ancestors.
Ancient star gazer's saw images in the stars of bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins (Gemini), a bull (Taurus), and others objects, including dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor). Click 'Read more' for the answer!