February

February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days. The month has 28 days in common years or 29 days in leap years.

History

February was added to the Roman calendar in 713 BC. The length of the month changed over time, usually 23-24 days, synchronizing with the lunar cycle. In the Julian calendar, a leap day was added every four years. In the Gregorian calendar, this was slightly adjusted to keep the calendar year from drifting with the solar year.

Etymology

The word February is derived from the Latin term februum, which means purification. The purification ritual Februa was held on February 15 in the old lunar Roman calendar.

February in Astronomy

In the Northern Hemisphere, February is the third month of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, February is the last month of summer. Between the two hemispheres, February is the equivalent of August.

February in Culture

Many cultures celebrate holidays in February, such as Valentine's Day and Black History Month in the United States.

February Birthstone

The birthstone for February is the amethyst. It symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom, and sincerity.

February Zodiac Signs

The two zodiac signs for February are Aquarius (until February 18) and Pisces (February 19 onwards).

See Also

• January
• March
• Calendar
• Leap Year

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  Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Février
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  Februar by Leandro Bassano
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  Valentine's Day Chocolates from 2005
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  Viola in Stiftskirche St. Peter, Salzburg
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  Primrose primula cultivars in Great Canfield churchyard, Essex, England
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  Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) Flower Closeup
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  Améthystre sceptre