Why is there a saying that dogs are on the solstice in summer?

Dog is a folk tradition in summer solstice. It is said that dogs will have special changes on this day. The specific reasons may be related to ancient farming culture.

First of all, the summer solstice is an important solar term in the lunar calendar, usually around June 2 1 in the Gregorian calendar. During the summer solstice, the position where the sun shines directly on the ground is the northernmost, with the longest day and the shortest night. In farming society, the summer solstice marks the peak of summer agriculture, and people need to use long-term light to cultivate, manage and harvest crops. Farmers often pay special attention to the astronomical phenomena on this day and take the changes of astronomical phenomena as a reference for agricultural activities.

Secondly, dogs have special symbolic significance in China culture. Dog is one of the earliest domesticated animals. It symbolizes loyalty and courage. In ancient rural society, dogs also had the function of protecting homes and hospitals, and were regarded as the object of evil spirits. Therefore, the combination of dogs and farming culture may form the traditional saying of dogs in summer solstice.