Origin of Boknal (Dog Days)

Boknal is a custom created to endure the hottest period of summer and replenish energy. The character 'Bok (伏)' is shaped like a person kneeling like a dog, meaning **"the summer heat softens the cool autumn air, causing it to lie down."** The main origins and background are as follows: Originating from China's Qin Dynasty: According to historical records, it began when meat was offered and distributed to officials during the period from June to July of the lunar calendar to help overcome the heat. Based on Yin-Yang and Five Elements Theory: Because the fire (火) element of summer suppresses the metal (金) element of autumn, people chose days when the metal element was weakest and 'lying down' to protect their bodies. Wisdom of 'Fighting Fire with Fire' (以熱治熱): In summer, when one easily loses stamina and their insides get cold from sweating a lot, people tried to balance Yin and Yang by eating warm, nourishing foods like Gyesamtang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) or Gaejangguk (Dog Meat Stew). It's the last of the dog days, did everyone have some chicken?