What do we celebrate in February? What is February famous for? Here’s a short list of holiday happenings and February facts that you should know!
The Month of February
February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place this time of year.
Did you know:
- February is the only month to have a length of fewer than 30 days! Though it’s usually 28 days, February is 29 days long in leap yearssuch as 2020 and 2024.
- January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar (c. 713 BC); originally, winter was considered a month-less period.
- Originally, February was made the last month of the calendar year. Eventually (c. 450 BC), February was moved to its place as the second month.
February Calendar
- February 1 marks the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. This year is the Year of the Tiger! Read more about Lunar New Year here.
- February 2 is Groundhog Day—the day we find out whether winter will last six more weeks or call it quits early. How did this quirky tradition get started? Find out the meaning of Groundhog Day.
- February 12 is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. The 16th president of the United States was born in a one-room, 16×18-foot, log cabin with a dirt floor.
- February 14 is always Valentine’s Day. Heads up, lovebirds! Today, the holiday is celebrated with love, flowers, and chocolate, but how did this holiday get its start? Learn all about Valentine’s Day.
- February 15 is Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday. How much do you know about this women’s right leader?
- February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day!
- February 21 brings Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday also known as Washington’s Birthday that is celebrated on the third Monday in February. (George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22!)
February is African-American History Month. The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
February Weather
On average, February is the United States’ snowiest month, according to data from the National Weather Service.
What weather’s in store in your region? See your long-range weather forecasts for the month of February!
Here delicate snow-stars, out of the cloud,
Come floating downward in airy play,
Like spangles dropped from the glistening crowd
That whiten by night
the milky way.
–“The Snow-Shower,” by William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)
February Astronomy
The Full Snow Moon
February’s full Moon reaches peak illumination at 11:59 A.M. EST on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Look skyward on that night to catch the best view of this full Moon!
It’s known as the Snow Moon due to the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February. Other traditional Native American names for this Moon include the Eagle Moon (Cree), Raccoon Moon (Dakota), and Hungry Moon (Cherokee). Read more about the February Snow Moon here!
February’s Birth Flower
Even though so many roses are sold during February due to Valentine’s Day, the Violet and the Primrose are the symbolic flowers.
- The violet signifies watchfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness. Give a violet to someone to let them know that you’ll always be there for them.
- The primrose lets someone know that you can’t live without them.
Folklore for the Season
Married in February’s sleety weather,
Life you’ll tread in tune together.
If February give much snow,
A fine summer it doth foreshow.
Fogs in February mean frosts in May.
If Candlemas Day [February 2] be mild and gay
Go saddle your horses, and buy them hay
But if Candlemas Day be stormy and black,
It carries the winter away on its back.
It is better to see a troop of wolves than a fine February.