What does the phrase "Dog days of summer" mean and how did it come to be?

Question

Everyone always says it but no one knows what it means.

Answer 1

It comes from the sky (astrology) and the ancient Egyptians. but back in the day the Egyptians would celebrate “dog days,” because the rising of the Sun, combined with the Dog Star, announced a very good thing. It was during this time each and every year that the River Nile would flood, reviving all of the surrounding parched land.

(I got this from an astrology site)

Answer 2

Sirius, the Dog Star is visible during the summer. In fact in ancient times, since they didn't know about the solstices, the appearance of the Dog Star indicated the start of summer. The star is the brightest object in the night sky after the moon but you won't see it in the U.S. It's most visible in the southern hemisphere

Answer 3

well from what I understand, dogs tend to be more irritable or grouchy in the summer due to the heat. I guess it can also be said of humans too; the heat tends to make people more irritable and easier to aggravate in the summer that other seasons...

Answer 4

It's hot & sticky and dogs dont frolic the lay lazily. You should avoid getting cut at this time it is a longer healing time & more chance of infection.

Answer 5

has to do with the constellation called the dog.. only seen during certain summer nights

Answer 6

I don't know... fun days of summer? Dogs are fun, so dog days must be fun too?

Answer 7

http://blog.thebalrogslair.com/archives/267

Answer 8

i pretty sure it means a rly hott day...but to b honest im not that sure

Answer 9

Nor I but I just wanted to answer anyway..........It's hot, thats what it means......

Answer 10

goes to show ....youngsters don't know & don't care