The Dog Days of Summer in 2024: Braving the Heatwave

The Dog Days of Summer in 2024: Braving the HeatwaveIntroduction: The Dog Days of Summer have arrived. Are you ready? This year's Dog Days are different from previous years in three significant ways

The Dog Days of Summer in 2024: Braving the Heatwave

Introduction:

The Dog Days of Summer have arrived. Are you ready? This year's Dog Days are different from previous years in three significant ways. Uncover the secrets of the Dog Days and learn how to survive the extreme heat!

I. The Dog Days: Summer's Most Intense Period

The phrase "hot in the Dog Days, cold in the Nine Days" signifies that the Dog Days, traditionally between the Lesser Heat and Greater Heat solar terms, are the hottest period of the summer. During this time, the earth accumulates heat, leading to exceptionally hot and humid weather. As the Chinese saying goes, "Summer is scorching, the Dog Days even more so," making it crucial to prepare for the heat.

II. The 2024 Dog Days Calendar

The Dog Days are divided into three periods: "First Dog Day", "Middle Dog Day", and "Last Dog Day", each with unique characteristics. Here's the calendar for this year:

• First Dog Day: July 15th (June 10th Lunar Calendar) to July 24th, a total of 10 days.

• Middle Dog Day: July 25th to August 13th, a total of 20 days.

• Last Dog Day: August 14th to August 23rd, a total of 10 days.

III. 2024 Dog Days: Three Notable Differences

This year's Dog Days hold three significant distinctions:

1. "Summer Embraces Dog Days": Unprecedented Heat

A common method for judging the intensity of the Dog Days is "Summer Embraces Dog Days." If the Greater Heat falls before or the Middle Dog Day starts after the Greater Heat, and the Greater Heat fully encompasses the Middle Dog Day, then it's called "Summer Embraces Dog Days." This year, the Greater Heat falls on July 21st, while the Middle Dog Day begins on July 25th, making it a case of "Summer Embraces Dog Days."

The saying goes, "Summer Embraces Dog Days means a steam bath, Dog Days Embraces Summer is like autumn." The year of "Summer Embraces Dog Days" experiences extremely hot Dog Days, making it unbearable. Conversely, "Dog Days Embraces Summer" is relatively cooler. As this year is "Summer Embraces Dog Days," anticipate exceptionally hot Dog Days.

2. "Mother Dog Days": Scarce Rainfall, Intense Heat

"Mother Dog Days" is an ancient method for predicting rainfall during the Dog Days. According to ancient beliefs, everything is divided into yin and yang, distinguished by numbers - odd for yang, even for yin. Yin corresponds to "mother," while yang to "father." The saying "Father Dog Days are cool, Mother Dog Days are ominous" implies that years with "Father Dog Days" receive more rain and cooler weather, while "Mother Dog Days" years experience less rain and hotter temperatures.

This year, the entry of the Dog Days falls on July 15th, corresponding to the tenth day of June on the Lunar Calendar, an even number. Therefore, this year is "Mother Dog Days." The saying "Mother Dog Days are ominous, the heat is fierce" suggests that this year's Dog Days will be scorching.

3. "Extra-long Dog Days": Forty Days of Heat

In past years, the Dog Days often extended beyond the typical thirty days to forty. This year marks the final year of the "Extra-long Dog Days." The calendar shows that the 2024 Dog Days span forty days. Starting from July 15th, the intense heat will last for forty days.

From 2015, the Dog Days have always been forty days long, but starting from 2025, they will revert to thirty days.

IV. Beating the Heat: Summer Survival Tips

Facing the impending heatwave, it's crucial to prepare for heat prevention and cooling measures, adjust your schedule accordingly, and avoid the discomfort of the scorching heat.

1. Get Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for combating the heat. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep daily to boost your immune system and reduce heatstroke risk.

2. Drink Plenty of Water: Hot weather leads to excessive sweating, making water replenishment vital. Hydrate well to prevent dehydration.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Minimize outdoor activities during the peak hours of noontime when the sun is strongest. When outdoors, protect yourself with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

4. Watch Your Diet: Opt for light and digestible food for nutritional replenishment and heat relief. Avoid spicy and greasy meals to lighten the burden on your digestive system. Incorporate watermelon, mung bean soup, and other cooling foods into your diet.

5. Maintain a Positive Mindset: Stay calm and collected even in the heat. A positive attitude can help mitigate the negative impacts of high temperatures.

6. Mindful Air Conditioner Use: Use air conditioners moderately, avoiding excessive cold to prevent discomfort. An ideal room temperature is around 26C. Turn the air conditioner on and off at regular intervals and ensure good ventilation.

7. Check Weather Forecasts: Stay updated on weather conditions for proactive preparation and avoid any sudden changes.

V. Culinary Delights: Dog Days Dishes

As the Dog Days arrive, diverse customs prevail across regions. The beginning of the Dog Days sees people indulging in unique food choices. Some opt for "Dog Day Lamb," "Noodles," "Dumplings," "Wonton," or "Dog Day Chicken," all aimed at cooling down and replenishing energy.

Recommended Dog Days Dish: Braised Lamb

Ingredients:

• Lamb: 1-2 pounds, recommended lamb chops or leg with skin for optimal flavor.

• Onions, ginger, garlic: in appropriate amounts, for removing odor and adding aroma.

• Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel seeds, dried chili peppers, rock sugar: in appropriate amounts.

• Light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine: in appropriate amounts.

• Optional ingredients: Carrots, white radish, potatoes, etc. as per personal preference, for richer flavor and nutrition.

Lamb Preparation:

1. Cut the lamb into pieces, wash away blood, and soak in clean water for half an hour to remove odor and blood.

2. Place lamb in cold water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, blanch for about five minutes, skimming off foam during the process. Remove lamb and rinse with warm water, set aside.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add onions, ginger, garlic and saute until fragrant. Add dried chili peppers if preferred for added spice.

2. Add drained lamb and stir-fry over low heat until evenly coated in oil. Increase heat to medium and stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Pour in an appropriate amount of cooking wine and continue to stir-fry evenly. Season with light soy sauce and dark soy sauce for flavor and color, adjust quantity to your taste.

4. Add enough water to cover the lamb. Add spices and rock sugar, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer.

5. Optionally add carrots, white radish, etc. for improved flavor and nutrition.

6. Simmer over low heat for one to two hours, until lamb is tender and flavorful. Add water as needed to prevent drying.

7. Increase heat to high and thicken the sauce, season with salt to taste. Stir the lamb during thickening to prevent sticking.

8. Note: Control heat during cooking to ensure lamb is cooked thoroughly and tender while preventing sticking or drying.

Conclusion:

The Dog Days begin on July 15th, be prepared and don't underestimate the intensity. This year's Dog Days are exceptionally long and scorching. The 2024 Dog Days calendar has been released, are you informed?

There are three unique aspects this year that you might find useful. On the first day of the Dog Days, indulge in a "lamb dish" to clear moisture, dispel heat, and enjoy these sweltering Dog Days.

As the Chinese saying goes, "Summer is blazing with heat, staying cool is the best." Take care and have a pleasant summer.