Leap year 2020 “Saturday 2.29.2020” 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. February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, with 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years, with the quadrennial 29th day being called the leap day. It is the first of five months to have fewer than 31 days and the only one to have fewer than 30 days. February is African-American History Month. February 2 is Groundhog Day – the day we find out whether winter will last six more weeks or call it quits early. February 12 is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. The 16th president of the United States was born in a one-room, 16×18-foot, log cabin with a dirt floor. February 14 is always Valentine’s Day. The holiday is celebrated with love, flowers, and chocolate. February 15 is Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday. How much do you know about this women’s right leader? February 15 is also the National Flag of Canada Day! February 17 brings Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday also known as Washington’s Birthday that is celebrated on the third Monday in February. (George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22.) February 25 is Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday), which is the final feasting day before the Christian tradition of Lent begins on the following day, Ash Wednesday. February 29 is a Leap Day. This is the extra day that’s added to our calendars every four years. |