Etymology and cultural significance[edit]
See also: Winter triangle
The most commonly used proper name of this star comes from the Latin Sīrius, from the Ancient Greek Σείριος (Seirios, "glowing" or "scorcher"),[109] although the Greek word itself may have been imported from elsewhere before the Archaic period,[110] one authority suggesting a link with the Egyptian god Osiris.[111] The name's earliest recorded use dates from the 7th century BC in Hesiod's poetic work Works and Days.[110] Sirius has over 50 other designations and names attached to it.[80] In Geoffrey Chaucer's essayTreatise on the Astrolabe, it bears the name Alhabor, and is depicted by a hound's head. This name is widely used on medieval astrolabes from Western Europe.[19] In Sanskrit it is known as Mrgavyadha "deer hunter", or Lubdhaka "hunter". As Mrgavyadha, the star represents Rudra (Shiva).[112][113] The star is referred as Makarajyoti in Malayalam and has religious significance to the pilgrim center Sabarimala.[114] In Scandinavia, the star has been known as Lokabrenna ("burning done by Loki", or "Loki's torch").[115] In theastrology of the Middle Ages, Sirius was a Behenian fixed star,[116] associated with beryl and juniper. Its astrological symbol was listed by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa.[117]
Many cultures have historically attached special significance to Sirius, particularly in relation to dogs. Indeed, it is often colloquially called the "Dog Star" as the brightest star ofCanis Major, the "Great Dog" constellation.