February (Month)

Historical & Cultural Significance

February derives its name from “Februa,” an ancient Roman festival of purification and cleaning.

February was the last month added to the Roman calendar, originally having only 10 months.

February was placed at the end of the year in the ancient Roman calendar until around 450 BCE.

February was frequently shortened to 23 or 24 days in ancient Rome to align the calendar with lunar cycles.

February marks the beginning of spring in many Celtic traditions, celebrated as Imbolc.

February contains Setsubun in Japan, when people throw soybeans to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

February includes the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), one of the world’s largest annual celebrations.

February witnessed Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 1809, who would become one of America’s most important presidents.

Natural World & Weather

February often brings the heaviest snowfall in the Northern Hemisphere, earning it the nickname “Snow Moon” month.

Agricultural Connections

February signals the start of maple syrup season in North America as temperatures begin to fluctuate.

February marks the beginning of bird migration patterns in many regions as days grow longer.

February brings the first signs of spring in temperate zones, with early flowers like snowdrops appearing.

February experiences increasing daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, gaining about two minutes of light each day.

February hosts the emergence of early-breeding frogs in many regions, their calls announcing spring’s approach.

February sees bears beginning to stir in their dens, though they won’t fully emerge until March or April.

February brings the first buds on trees in many areas, though they remain tightly closed against winter cold.

February marks the start of butterfly migration in regions like Mexico, where Monarchs begin their northward journey.

February welcomes the return of many songbirds to their breeding grounds in temperate regions.

Modern Celebrations & Observances

February contains Valentine’s Day on the 14th, celebrating love and friendship worldwide.

February hosts Groundhog Day on February 2nd, when Punxsutawney Phil predicts winter’s length.

February includes Presidents’ Day in the United States, honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

February celebrates Black History Month in the United States and Canada.

February contains Carnival celebrations in many countries, including the famous Rio Carnival in Brazil.

February includes World Cancer Day on the 4th, promoting cancer awareness and education globally.

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month in the United States.

February contains Random Acts of Kindness Day on the 17th, encouraging people to spread joy through simple good deeds.

February hosts International Mother Language Day on the 21st, celebrating linguistic diversity worldwide.

February includes World Radio Day on the 13th, recognizing radio’s role in education and emergency communication.

Astronomical & Calendar Features

February is the only month that gains an extra day every four years during leap years.

February in leap years has 29 days, while in common years it has 28 days.

In February, the Sun moves from the constellation Capricornus into Aquarius around the 16th.

February shares two zodiac signs: Aquarius (January 20 until February 18) and Pisces (February 19 onwards)

February experiences noticeably longer days in the Northern Hemisphere as spring approaches.

February marks the mid-point of winter in astronomical terms for the Northern Hemisphere.

February’s Full Moon is traditionally called the Snow Moon or Hunger Moon by Native American tribes.

February typically experiences a New Moon and a Full Moon, though rarely it might have two of either.

February’s position in the calendar has changed multiple times throughout history as calendar systems evolved.

Traditions & Symbols

February’s birthstone is the amethyst, symbolizing peace, courage, and stability.

February’s birth flowers are the violet and primrose, representing faithfulness and young love.

February’s traditional colors include purple for nobility and white for purity.

February brings the tradition of shadow-watching on Groundhog Day, stemming from ancient weather prediction customs.

February carries Victorian-era traditions of sending elaborate Valentine’s cards.

February maintains ancient Roman purification rituals through modern spring cleaning customs.

February holds pancake-making traditions on Shrove Tuesday in many Christian countries.

Global Perspectives

February marks late summer in the Southern Hemisphere, with harvest festivals and beach activities.

February brings autumn preparations in Australia and New Zealand as temperatures begin to cool.

February hosts major carnival celebrations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

February includes Waitangi Day in New Zealand, celebrating the signing of their founding document.

February brings the end of summer vacation for students in many Southern Hemisphere countries.

February marks peak growing season in many equatorial regions.