Trivial Facts About February

When you think about the month of February, do thoughts of romance and Valentine's Day come to mind? If you're a football fan, perhaps Super Bowl Sunday comes to mind. There is a lot more to February than valentines, romantic rendezvous, and Super Bowl champions. There are other holidays during the month, many famous people celebrate their birthday in February and many historic events took place during the second month of the year.

Read on to learn some trivial facts about February.

Basic Facts

February comes from the Latin word februum which means purification. In the old Roman calendar the purification ritual called Februa was held on February 15th. February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is the only month with twenty eight days. In leap year which occurs every four years, February has twenty nine days.

Birthstone

The birthstone for February is amethyst which is purple quartz. Amethyst was a symbol of royalty in the Middle Ages. It also symbolizes clear-headedness and quick-wittedness.

Flower

The flower for the month of February is the iris which is Greek for rainbow. The iris represents faith, wisdom and hope.
An alternate flower for February is the violet. It represents faithfulness, modesty and virtue.

Astrological Signs

Aquarius and Pisces are the astrological signs for February. Birthdays from February 1st through the 18th fall under the sign of Aquarius. February 19th through the 29th birthdays fall under the sign of Pisces.

February Holidays and Observances

The most well known holiday of the month is February 14th, Valentine's Day. Be sure to get your sweetheart something special on this romantic holiday!

Groundhog Day takes place on February 2nd. If the groundhog sees his shadow this year, it means we'll have six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, spring is just around the corner.

President's Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February.

February 29th comes around every four years. It is known as Leap Day.

For a list of daily observances in February go to: http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/february.htm

Historic Events in February

Many major events happened during the second month of the year. Here are four historical events that took place in February.
The National Weather Service was established on February 9, 1870.

The Boys Scouts of America were founded on February 8, 1910.

Iwo Jima Day - U.S. Marines raised the flag on Mt. Suribachi (Battle of Iwo Jima) on February 23, 1945. To view the famous photograph and read more about it go to: http://www.iwojima.com/

The Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy took place on February 1, 2003. The Shuttle was scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center. The crew of seven was lost when the Columbia Space Shuttle broke up over north-central Texas about 16 minutes before its scheduled landing.

Monthly Observances

There are over two dozen monthly observances during the month of February. Some of them are listed below.
African American History Month
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
American Heart Month
Bird Feeding Month
Cat Health Month
Children's Dental Health Month/Dental Month
Grapefruit Month
Snack Food Month
Weddings Month

To see more monthly observances in February go to: http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/february.htm

Famous People Born in February

Many famous people were born in February. Here are just a few of them.
Four presidents: William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and George Washington
Several actors and actresses: Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Clark Gable, and John Travolta
Authors: Erma Bombeck, Charles Dickens, and John Steinbeck
Singer/Musicians: Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, and George Harrison
Athletes: Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, and Mark Spitz

You can find a complete listing of famous people born in February at: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/2

Now that you've learned a lot of trivial facts about February, share them with your family and friends. Amaze them with your knowledge!

To learn trivial facts about other months of the year CLICK HERE.

Sources:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/february.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm#february
http://www.growerflowers.com/SEflowerofthemonth.asp
http://www.birthflowersguide.com/february-birth-flower.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February
http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/2