Most of us think "dog days" refers to a period of especially hot and humid weather – the kind that drives dogs (and humans) mad.
But the phrase actually comes from astrology. Ancient Greeks and Romans called the hottest days of summer “dies caniculares,” or Latin for “days of the Dog Star.” The Dog Star, aka Sirius, is the brightest star in the night sky and part of the Greater Dog constellation, or Canis Major.
During the Dog Days period between July 3 and August 11, Sirius rises with the sun. Because Sirius burns so brightly, ancient Romans believed it added to the sun’s warmth and was why it was so doggone hot outside.
So there you have it. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans knew your dog was the brightest star in the sky. Help us celebrate pups everywhere by spending a dog-day afternoon with us this month!
Dog Day Afternoons
Dog Days of Summer Event at Common Space Brewery! Join us this Sunday, July 24, noon to 5 p.m., 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250.
Summer Pop-up at Smog City Brewery, July 31, noon to 5 pm, 1901 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501.