Amethyst is primarily made of quartz, and like the spring festival of Februa, symbolizes purification. Before this time, February actually ended the year as the twelfth month.įurthermore, for those born in February, a purple gemstone known as amethyst is their birth stone. In addition to this change, it took until 450 BCE for January to become the first month of the calendar year and February to be the second.
And, it was not until 700 BCE that February and January were added. Prior to 700 BCE, there were only ten months in the calendar, in which January and February were excluded. Such a festival used to be held February 13-15, and was thought to set fertility free and welcome the new life that spring brings.īelieve it or not, February was not always a month in the year. Februa was the name of an ancient festival that honored a time of cleansing and purifying in preparation for the warmer months. The month of February originally got its name from the Latin word “Februa”. Every four years, we encounter a “leap year” or a year with an extra day, and 2020 is one of those special years. However, in 2020, February is even more unique than usual in that it has 29 days. Because of this, it is the only month of the year that might never have a full moon. The month of February is unique in that it is the only month in the calendar year with less than 30 days.
