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February Factoid | Back To Main Factoid Page
We hope you enjoy this month's freshly gathered facts direct from the magnetic fields of Planet
Factoid!
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"February Factoids" — February 2000
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1. Where did the word "February" come from?
February comes from the Middle English word Februarius meaning purification. In ancient Rome,
a great feast of purification was held on the 15th day of the second month of the year. For
this reason, the second month became known as February.
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2. Why does it sometimes have 29 days instead of 28?
In the Gregorian calendar, on which our current calendar is based on, a year was
mathematically figured to be 365.2419 days long. It was calculated that 97 days would need
to be added every 400 years in order to keep certain dates with certain seasons. It was
agreed that an extra day would be added every 4th year. These are known as leap years.
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3. What is the birthstone for February?
February's birthstone is an Amethyst. Amethysts are violet in color.
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Valentine's Day
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4. When is Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day is on February 14th.
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5. How did Valentine's Day come about?
Valentine's Day is named for Saint Valentine. He was a Roman priest around 270 A.D. During
this time soldiers were ordered not to engage or marry. Valentine would secretly marry the
soldiers to their loves. He was eventually arrested and put to death. This happened on
February 14th. This is how Valentine's Day came to be celebrated on February 14th.
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6. Why are the colors pink and red associated with this holiday?
Valentine's Day is known as a "lovers holiday." Pink and red are traditionally associated with love and romance.
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7. What about hearts and "Valentines?"
The heart is a symbol of love. The trading of "Valentines" began as early as the 1400's.
Although the term "valentine" usually refers to greeting cards, a "valentine" can be any
token of love given to a chosen sweetheart.
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8. What is a cupid?
A cupid is a winged child known for piercing the hearts of victims causing them to fall
deeply in love. In Greek mythology this child was known as Eros, the son of Aphrodite, the
goddess of love and beauty. In Roman mythology he was known as Cupid, the son of Venus.
Cupid is associated with Valentine's Day because of his association with love.
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9. I'm too young to be in love, can I still give a Valentine?
Of course. It has become quite common to give valentines to others that you care about.
Children often give valentines to mothers, fathers and friends. And don't forget your secret
crush!
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10. I don't have much money; does a valentine have to be bought?
Of course not. The best valentines come from the heart. In early days, homemade paper
valentines were very popular in Europe. You too can make your very own valentines. With some
pink, red and white paper, scissors, glue and a little imagination you can create a unique
valentine that anyone would love to receive.
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