Escaping Summer Heat

The dog days of summer have faded away. Historically, they were the period following the annual appearance at dawn of the star Sirius (known colloquially as the "Dog Star").  For man, it was believed to be the cause of lethargy, fever, and bad luck. It was also believed that the intensity of heat caused both humans and dogs “to go mad.”

The exact dates vary with latitudes, but in the Northern Hemisphere, this period runs from July 3rd to August 11, and is linked to the earth’s axis and its tilt towards the sun.  This “explained” the reason this time of year was so beastly hot. Sirius, part of the Canis Majoris (Great Dog) constellation, was the brightest proper star. When it rose and set with the sun to create a more direct angle for the sun’s rays to hit the earth’s surface, its brightness coupled with the brightness of the sun. Greco-Roman astrology connected this star’s appearance with heat, drought, and thunderstorms. 

How to cool off during this extended period of intense heat? 

Before air conditioners, one just withstood it. It was part of life. Perhaps a handheld fan or a darkened room could create the illusion of coolness. Summer clothes were always limp, dripping with perspiration. Even carrying a parasol, or more recently iced drinks, sucking on a popsicle helped for a refreshingly brief moment. Of course, if available, one could take a dip in a fountain, pool, stream, lake, or ocean or run through a lawn sprinkler. When the summer rains came, splashing in the rivulets running down the street, smelling that freshness of the air sparked momentary relief. 

With the advent of air conditioners, all this seems to be but a distant memory. Now as we dash from one air-conditioned environment to the next trying to escape summer’s heat, we all carry wraps of one sort or another to cut the intense chill.

During this time of year in Japan, there are various poetic ways to create a suggestion of coolness. It could be the faint sound of water dripping into the garden basin (tsukubai), the light tinkling sound of a furin or delicate wind chime coming from somewhere off in the distance, or the use of sudare, thin split bamboo blinds that keep the harsh sunlight from penetrating deep into a room, thus casting it into a cool darkened environment.

There is also a summer temae (procedure for making usucha) using a shallow bowl filled with cool water. When the chakin, (a small rectangular linen used to wipe a tea bowl) is lifted up, the water drips back down into the bowl creating a cooling sound.

Another choice is the use of a glass mizusashi (cold water container). The one illustrated here has images of thistles, which bloom in late summer,  etched into the surface and then outlined in gold wire. The horizontal etched lines on the surface of the glass could suggest shimmering heat, a gentle breeze, or light reflecting off the surface of the water. Because it is made of glass, it exudes the essence of summer coolness. 

Marybeth Welch has studied tea at the Urasenke Cha no Yu center for over 40 years. She received her Chamei (tea name) in 1995. She teaches there as well

We know we are going to confront the heat before we realize it again soon. Summer Heat by Marybeth shows us an array of ways to adapt to nature without VVexcessive modern necessities. Reversing our way of living completely seems not approachable. How many of us can run around and live without AC in the heat? Perhaps, we can suggest a little less comfort from the AC, some more sweat, and more time in nature when it is possible. Much to reflect on these practices. Even just through the etched thistles on the glass mizusashi. 

By Marybeth Welch

Photo @ Marybeth Welch