February, the shortest month of the year, consists of many special days some of which you are already familiar to and some I will reveal here. February is no doubt a super cold month. Known for Valentine’s Day, cakes, flowers and romance. We can say it is a month to celebrate love. This short month has incredible history behind it. To know more about this month take a look at these February Fun facts.
Are you ready to explore February Fun Facts?
Where the word came from
Well, there is quite a long explanation from where the word came from. Most of us think like other months it is named after the name of Roman god Februus. But the month got its name from the festival of purification, Februa. In fact, the Roman god is named after it.
Family Day
In Canada, Family Day is celebrated on third Monday of February. This day is celebrated in many provinces in Canada. In French, the Family Day is known as Jour de la Famille. However, no national holiday is observed on Family Day.
Number of Days
The number of days of the month fluctuates between 28 days and 29 days. February with 29 day came after four years. Therefore, February with 29 days is referred as leap year.
War between U.S and Mexico ended in February
Both countries signed a treaty in which U.S had to pay $15 million to Mexico. After which the states of California, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Texas and New Mexico became the part of U.S. The treaty was named Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and was signed on 2nd February 1848.
Month Start Day
Yes! There are months which share the same starting day. November, March and February start on the same day of week. The day changes only if there is a leap year.
No Full Moon
You know it is possible the month goes off without having a full moon. Strange?
Most Misspelt Month
You have to believe that February is the most misspelt word in the history. Even in Shakespeare’s play the month is spelled wrong many times. But there is a play of Shakespeare named “Much Ado about Nothing” in which correct spelling of the month is mentioned.
World Radio Day
Do you still love listening radio? So get ready to celebrate World Radio Day on this 13th February.
Jennifer Aniston’s Birthday
Hold on! Jennifer Aniston a businesswoman. Oh yes, she is an American Actress too. Jennifer Aniston was born on 11th February 1969.
Flowers of the Month
Probably, you may not know about the three official flowers of the month. These are Iris, Viola and primrose.
Are You a February Born?
If yes then you should know that your birthstone is amethyst. And your birth flower is primrose.
Case of Hanging Witches
The famous Salem Witch Trials, in which 19 witches were hanged of accusing witchcraft, was also started in February in 1692. These trials occurred in Massachusetts.
Chinese New Year
The starting date of Chinese New year in 2021 will be 12th February.
February Zodiac Signs
Obviously, almost everyone know his zodiac sign. There are two Zodiac signs for people born in February. Aquarius for people born between January 20 to February 18 and Pisces for February 19 to March 20.
First People Magazine
When it comes to Magazines we all love reading them. First People Magazine was published on 24th February.
Groundhog Day
In United States and Canada Groundhog Day is celebrated on 2nd February. It is consider a welcoming break during winter. On this day groundhog awakes from his nap and come out from his home to see his shadow.
Cake Month
February was called “Sol-monath” by Anglo Saxons. The Anglo ancestors used to offer cakes to gods during February. Saxons also called February as “Sprout-Kale”.
Start and End on Same Day
It might sounds weird but the starting and ending day of February are same during a leap year.
Events Celebrated on February
Even though we have mentioned some events above but February is such a wonderful month full of events. For example Presidents’ Day, World’s Marriage Day, Valentine’s Day, Flag Day, and Black History Day.
Month of the Pearl
Referring to the phenomena of ice melting on the tree leaves the Finnish people call February the Month of the Pearl or “Helmikuu”.
February used to be the last month of Year
Before the design of Gregorian calendar February was the last month of the year for at least 200 years. But after the introduction of Gregorian calendar January became the starting month.
When February was added to the Calendar
Before the crowing of second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, March marked the start of New Year. But in 713 BC, Synchronization of calendar with lunar year gave rise the need of adding two new months January and February.
Feverell
February was known as “Feverell” in 1500s.
Pancake Day
On Tuesday of February “Shrove Tuesday” is celebrated in some Christian countries. On this day people consume pancakes for seeking absolution from their sins. This day is known as Mardi Gras or Fat Eating.
Thomas Edison Patent
Thomas Edison was awarded U.S patent for invention of device that not only record the music but play it back. This patent was awarded on February 19th 1878.
Do you know someone born on 29th February
The chance are rare though. Only 1 in over 1400 children get the honor to born on 29th February (Leap Year).
Who adjusted February duration?
Julius Caesar modify the duration of February. In addition to this, Julian adjusted the calendar year such that February has 29 days after every four years.
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
Abraham Lincoln was born on 12th February. He share the birthday month with George Washington who was born on 22nd February.
Charles Darwin
Probably the month carries more important also because it is the birthday month of Charles Darwin. Charles was born on 12th February 1809. His birth place was Shrewsbury, UK. Besides this, he formulated the famous “Theory of Evolution”.
Leaper
Another fact about February is kids born on Leap year are called “Leapling” or “Leaper”. Are you a leaper?
After reading these February fun facts don’t you think February is an amazing month.
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