German measles are called "Red dog" in the Scandinavian languages, in Swedish "Röda hund." Does anyone know why?

trans991

I could find no specific reason, but I did come across this interesting tidbit: {July & August}The Romans called this time of year caniculares dies, "the days of the dog" (in French, hot weather is called canicule), and they used to sacrifice a red dog to appease the gods. They believed the dog days comprised the 20 days before and after the heliacal rising, which, by their calculation, included July and part of August, two hot months in the northern hemisphere. Incidentally, July and August were named after the first two Caesars. Nowadays we know that the heliacal rising of Sirius is seen only in the northern hemisphere, and its date varies with latitude and over time. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1011849.html So, my speculation is that a measles outbreak happened during these months and so were named "red dog." 2 votes. Aug 05 09, 10:43 PM