February

February gets it name from the Roman month Februarius, Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar. January and February were added by Numa Pompilius about 713 BC. February remained the last month of the calendar year until the time of the decemvirs (c. 450 BC), when it became the second month. At certain intervals February was truncated to 23 or 24 days, and a 27-day intercalary month, Intercalaris, was inserted immediately after February to realign the year with the seasons.

Under the reforms of the Julian calendar, Intercalaris was abolished, leap years occurred regularly every fourth year, and in leap years February gained a 29th day. The Gregorian calendar reforms made slight changes to the system for determining which years were leap years and thus contained a 29-day February.

There are a few other names for February such as the Old English terms Solmonath (mud month) and Kale-monath (named for cabbage) as well as Charlemagne’s designation Hornung.

February is probably most notable for Valentine’s Day. Which falls on February 14th.

Its birth flower is the violet and the common primrose.

Its birthstone is the amethyst. It symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom, and sincerity.

Its zodiac signs are Aquarius (January 19 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Adela