Dog Days of Summer
The Dog Days are traditionally the 40 days leading up to the heliacal rising of Sirius, being the period of 3 rd July to 11 th August. These are considered to be the hottest days of the summer – especially in the regions around the Mediterranean Sea, where Sirius has long had a major role in mythology, religion and agriculture. For the Egyptians the rising of Sirius was essential, marking the inundation of the Nile and the start of a new year. Sirius, which was also known as Sothis, was closely linked to the Egyptian Mother goddess Isis (Aset) and Osiris, Ruler of the Underworld. Osiris: God King of the Underworld Sirius has been known since ancient times, and its name signified its nature as “scorching” or “sparkling.” It was associated with the Egyptian god Osiris and other gods. Ancient Egyptians noted that Sirius rose just before the sun each year immediately prior to the annual flooding of the Nile River. Although...