February
Database of events, awareness days, holidays, and promotions occurring in February of this year.
ABOUT FEBRUARY 2024February, the second month of the Gregorian calendar (established in 1582 with Pope Gregory XIII), has a history steeped in ancient Roman tradition and Christian lore. The name comes from the Latin term "forum," which means purification. It reflects the cleansing rituals performed in ancient Rome during this time that are still carried through today in preparation for Lent, various Asian festivals, and the remaining pagan festivals.
February was added to the Roman calendar in 713 BC, during the reign of King Numa Pompilius, who aligned the calendar with the lunar year. The month was later solidified in its current placement and length by Julius Caesar's calendar reforms in 44 BC
As the second month of the Gregorian calendar, February is the shortest month of the year. The month has 28 days, except during leap years when it has 29 days to align the calendar year with the solar year. This additional day ensures that seasonal and calendar years do not drift apart over time
ASTROLOGYFebruary 1-18 fall under the air sign Aquarius. February 19-29 are under the water sign of Pisces.
BIRTHSTONESFebruary's birthstone is the amethyst, a purple quartz that was once considered as valuable as a ruby or emerald until large deposits were found in Brazil. Amethyst is associated with clarity of mind, sobriety, and protection from intoxication—reflective of the stone's passionate color and the Roman belief that it guarded against excess
FLOWERSThe month's traditional flower is the violet, symbolizing faithfulness, humility, and chastity. Another flower associated with February is the primrose, which signifies young love and the anticipation of spring.
LEGENDSFebruary folk legends revolve around anticipation and preparation for the coming spring. In many cultures, February marks a time of looking forward to the earth's reawakening, with festivals and traditions that celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season. One such legend is Groundhog Day, a popular North American tradition that takes place on February 2. If Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog's name, sees his shadow (the day is sunny), then custom says there will be another six weeks of winter.
February's most notable event is Valentine's Day, a celebration of love and affection that has evolved from Christian and ancient Roman traditions. It usually, but not always, hosts the carnival season leading up to Lent in the Christian world and the major spring festivals in Chinese and East Asian communities
February is a time of transition from the cold of winter to the promise of spring (or hot summer into fall in the Southern Hemisphere). It is a month for purification, renewal, and hope.
LOOKING FOR EVENTS IN A PREVIOUS OR UPCOMING YEAR?Due to the dynamic nature of events, the full database for next year will be uploaded in September. To search for a previous year’s events or next year’s events after September, log in to your LEEP membership and use the Advanced Search console.
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