B'day and Dog Days

Hello friends!

It's my birthday!  I've been stomping around for 63 years!  I don't think it's been that long but my siblings assure me it has (they are both approaching 60 and love to remind me how old I am and how much younger they are... 5 & 6 yrs younger).  Ha!

Just so happens it is also the last day of "Dog Days of Summer".  UNLESS you live in Oklahoma, Texas or Arkansas.  We have about three more months of living on the face of the sun, but I digress.  I thought it would be fun to share a bit about the Dog Days history.

The term “Dog Days” has been used for millennia to describe the hottest, most sweltering weeks of the Northern Hemisphere summer. Ancient peoples linked it with both astronomy and folklore, often viewing it as a time of drought, disease, or unrest.

Today, the phrase evokes images of lazy summer days—but its origins tell a story of stars, calendars, and centuries of observation.

This period of intense heat coincides with the heliacal rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. The Greeks believed its brilliance intensified the summer sun, and its name, “Sirius” (σείριος), even means “scorching.” The Dog Days span from July 3 to August 11(40 days), following the summer solstice. These are traditionally the hottest and most humid weeks of the year.

Roman poet Virgil wrote that Sirius “brings drought and plague to frail mortals” when it rises. Farmers would watch the skies and adjust planting and harvesting schedules based on this superstitious guidance.

Even today, old weather sayings reflect these beliefs, such as: “make hay while the Sun shines, for when old Sirius takes command of the weather, he is such an unsteady, crazy dog, there is no dependence upon him.

From Appalachia Lore:

Beware of swimming in natural bodies of water.

Beware of touching your bare feet to the morning dew.

Snakes are mean and blind.

Evil roams free and people are more liable to fight.

Woulds and injuries will not heal.

Being raised by a "hillbilly", I am sure there are many more so why not spend a lazy, dog day of summer googling to see what you can find.  Here is a recipe to sip on while you do.

***

Dog Days Iced Tea

Ingredients

7 bags black tea (English, Earl Grey, etc.)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup mint leaves and sprigs, divided

2 cups chilled orange juice

1 orange, sliced crosswise

1 lemon, sliced crosswise

ice cubes

Instructions

1. Brew a strong tea in about 10 cups of water. While still hot, add sugar and about a dozen mint leaves. Let cool.

2. Remove tea bags and mint; then add orange juice, fruit slices, and ice.

Serve over more ice, garnish with fresh mint sprigs, and add a fruit slice or two to each glass.

***

If you stuck around to the end, thank you!  Most of the information was taken from The Old Farmers Almanac.  There is much more on their site.