The expression of “dog days” has evolved over time, transitioning from representing the hottest period of the year to symbolizing a time of sluggishness or stagnation.
Originating in the 16th century, “dog days” initially referred to the sweltering days of summer in the Northern hemisphere, deemed as a period of ill health and malevolent forces.
Due to the heat-induced lethargy or apprehensions of harmful influences, the term eventually came to signify a phase of inactivity and lack of progress. This shift in meaning can be traced back to ancient beliefs and mythological references.
The Oxford English Dictionary connects “dog days” to the scorching summer days linked to the heliacal rising of the Dog Star in the Mediterranean region, previously viewed as the most unwholesome time of the year and a period of bad omens.
The phrase’s roots can be found in Greek mythology, where Sirius, the Dog Star, was associated with Orion’s faithful hound. Homer’s mention of the star as κύν᾽ Ὠρίωνος (kun Orionos) in the Iliad solidifies this connection.
English adopted the term from post-classical Latin as caniculares dies (dog days), which was derived from Hellenistic Greek as kunades hemerai (dog days).
Initially, “dog days” in English solely denoted the hottest days of summer, as evidenced by early references in historical texts. The Oxford English Dictionary’s earliest example from The Dictionary of Syr Thomas Eliot Knyght (1538) illustrates this usage.
Over time, the figurative connotation of “dog days” evolved to represent a period of negativity and malevolent influences. This shift is exemplified in a 1555 letter by John Philpot, where the phrase is used to describe a troublesome time.
The OED elucidates that the term’s figurative usage has now evolved into “a period of inactivity or decline.” This semantic evolution is a common occurrence in language development.
The exact emergence of the weakened sense of “dog days” in English remains uncertain, but early instances suggest a gradual transition towards denoting periods of stagnation or decline.
In contemporary contexts, “dog days” may refer to periods of economic turmoil or creative stagnation, as reflected in modern literature and media references.
The OED notes the varying interpretations of the timing and duration of the dog days, attributing the discrepancies to different astronomical factors and geographic locations.
Despite the shifting meanings and interpretations, “dog days” continues to be associated with the pernicious qualities of the season and the belief that dogs are more prone to madness during this period.
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