Dear Friends,
A happy February to you all. I wish you a month that is rich in books, music, art, new and joyous endeavors, and moments of soft repose.
February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place this time of year. See all the month names.
February is the only month to have a length of fewer than 30 days! Though it’s usually 28 days, February is 29 days long in leap years. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar (c. 713 BC); originally, winter was considered a month-less period.
Originally, February was made the last month of the calendar year. Eventually (c. 450 BC), February was moved to its place as the second month.
This month's Bookish Calendar is packed with birthdays and special days. Among others, the writer Charles Dickens, artist Grant Wood, and inventor Thomas Edison were all born in February.
In addition, February is Black History Month, and today is the beginning of the Lunar New Year. This year is the year of the Tiger.
