101 Fun Facts about February

Over 100 fun facts about February for your enjoyment!

February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar system used in many parts of the world. It is a month that is known for being relatively short, with only 28 or 29 days depending on whether it is a leap year (a year that is evenly divisible by 4, except for years that are evenly divisible by 100, but not by 400).

In many cultures, February is associated with themes of love and romance, due to the popular holiday of Valentine’s Day that is celebrated on February 14th. The month is also associated with the signs of the zodiac Aquarius and Pisces, and it is the birth month of many notable individuals throughout history. Additionally, February is recognized as National Heart Month in the United States, a month-long observance to raise awareness about heart health and disease prevention.

To help you celebrate we’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about February:

About February
Fun Facts About February
Additional Fun Information About February
Sign up for emails from Mental Bomb

Fun Facts About February – About February

The history behind the month of February is rooted in ancient Rome. The original Roman calendar had 10 months, with the year beginning in March and ending in December. However, this calendar did not align with the solar year, resulting in seasonal drift over time. In the 8th century BC, King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar by adding the months of January and February to the beginning of the year, making February the last month of winter.

February was named after the Latin term “februum,” which means “purification,” and was associated with the Februa festival of purification in ancient Roman culture. The festival was held on February 15th and involved rituals of cleansing and atonement. Later, the Christian church co-opted the date and renamed it the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, or Candlemas.

In 46 BC, Julius Caesar further reformed the calendar by introducing the Julian calendar, which had a leap year every four years to keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. This change gave February an extra day in leap years, bringing the total number of days in the month to 29. The Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which further refined the system of leap years and is still in use today.

Fun Facts About February – 101 Fun Facts

Here are 101 fun facts about the month of February:

February is the shortest month of the year, with only 28 days (except during a leap year, when it has 29 days).
The name “February” comes from the Latin word “februum,” which means “purification.”
Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd, when the groundhog is said to predict the coming of spring.
February is American Heart Month, a month-long observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease.
The birthstone for February is the amethyst, which is said to have healing and protective powers.
The Super Bowl is usually held in February, and is one of the most-watched television events of the year.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th in many countries around the world.
February is Black History Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans.
The Zodiac signs for February are Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20).
February is National Bird-Feeding Month in the United States, a month-long observance dedicated to encouraging people to feed and care for birds.
The second Monday in February is celebrated as National Clean Out Your Computer Day, a day to organize and clean up your digital files.
The shortest month has two holidays honoring presidents: George Washington’s Birthday (third Monday) and Lincoln’s Birthday (12th).
February 22 is Be Humble Day, a day to practice humility and focus on the needs of others.
The first Saturday in February is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, a fun holiday started by a mom to bring joy and excitement to a dreary winter day.
In the Roman calendar, February was the last month of the year.
February is the only month that can pass without a single full moon.
On February 5, 1631, the Massachusetts Bay Colony banned the practice of smoking in public.
The longest word in the English language that does not contain a vowel is “rhythm,” which is often associated with the month of February because of the rhythm of the heart.
February is National Snack Food Month in the United States.
On February 7, 1904, the Great Baltimore Fire destroyed over 1,500 buildings in Baltimore, Maryland.
In many countries, February 14th is also known as Single Awareness Day, a day for people who are not in romantic relationships to celebrate their independence and self-love.
February is also National Hot Breakfast Month in the United States, a month-long observance dedicated to promoting the benefits of eating a nutritious breakfast.
The birth flower for February is the violet, which symbolizes loyalty and devotion.
In many cultures, February 3rd is known as Setsubun, a traditional festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
The second week of February is National Marriage Week in the United States, a week-long observance dedicated to promoting healthy marriages and relationships.
February 26th is National Pistachio Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the delicious and nutritious nut.
In many countries, February 1st is known as National Freedom Day, a day to celebrate the signing of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution
The longest recorded kiss lasted 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds, and was achieved by a couple in Thailand during a Valentine’s Day event in 2013.
The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth (-128.6 degrees Fahrenheit) occurred on February 5, 1892, in Vostok, Antarctica.
February 12th is National Lost Penny Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the small but mighty penny.
February 20th is Love Your Pet Day, a day to show your furry friends some extra love and affection.
The first Sunday in February is Super Bowl Sunday, a major sports event that attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
February 11th is National Inventors’ Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the contributions of inventors and their groundbreaking inventions.
In Finland, February is known as “Helmikuu,” which means “month of pearls.”
The average temperature in the Northern Hemisphere in February is around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The second full week of February is Random Acts of Kindness Week, a week-long celebration of small acts of kindness that can make a big difference.
The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated on February 20th, a day to promote social justice and equality around the world.
In the United States, February is also known as National Canned Food Month, a month-long observance dedicated to promoting the benefits of canned foods.
February 15th is National Gumdrop Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the chewy, colorful candy.
The third Monday in February is Presidents’ Day in the United States, a day to honor the contributions and achievements of past U.S. presidents.
The month of February is often associated with romance and love, due to the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
February 14th is also International Book Giving Day, a day to give the gift of reading to someone special.
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a purple-colored gemstone that symbolizes peace, courage, and stability.
The zodiac signs for February are Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20).
February is Black History Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd in the United States and Canada, a day to determine whether winter will continue or spring will arrive early based on the behavior of a groundhog.
In Sweden, February is known as “Vabruari,” which is a play on words that means “illness vacation.”
The first week of February is National School Counseling Week in the United States, a week-long celebration of the important role that school counselors play in the lives of students.
February 5th is National Weatherperson’s Day in the United States, a day to honor and appreciate the men and women who provide weather forecasts and warnings.
In ancient Rome, February was the last month of the year, and it was a time for purification and preparation for the coming year.
The Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in the United States, with an estimated 100 million viewers tuning in each year.
February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day in the United States, a day to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness and generosity.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are most visible in February and March in the Northern Hemisphere.
In Ireland, February 1st is St. Brigid’s Day, a day to celebrate the life of the patron saint of Ireland and the coming of spring.
February 14th is also National Ferris Wheel Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the iconic carnival ride.
In the Chinese zodiac, 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 1st, 2022.
February is American Heart Month in the United States, a month-long observance dedicated to promoting heart health and raising awareness about heart disease.
In some cultures, the color red is considered lucky in February, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The word “February” comes from the Latin word “februum,” which means “purification” or “expiation,” reflecting the ancient Roman traditions associated with the month.
February 9th is National Pizza Day in the United States, a day to celebrate one of the most popular and beloved foods in the world.
In Japan, February 3rd is Setsubun, a traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring and is associated with the driving away of evil spirits.
February 26th is National Pistachio Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the delicious and nutritious nut.
The shortest month of the year, February has only 28 days (or 29 in leap years).
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11th, a day to recognize and promote the important role that women and girls play in science and technology.
In the United States, February is also known as American Heart Month, a month-long observance dedicated to promoting heart health and raising awareness about heart disease.
February 24th is National Tortilla Chip Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the crunchy, salty snack.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated in February (or sometimes in late January) and is the most important traditional holiday in China.
In Iceland, February is known as “Þorri,” a traditional Icelandic month that celebrates the arrival of winter and is associated with feasting and drinking.
The birth flower for February is the violet, a delicate and fragrant flower that symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness.
The Super Bowl halftime show has featured many famous performers, including Prince, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.
February 23rd is National Banana Bread Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the moist and delicious baked treat.
In ancient times, February was a month of purification, and people would often bathe in the Lupercal, a sacred pool in Rome, as part of the celebrations.
The first day of February is National Freedom Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery.
The month of February is associated with many different holidays and observances, including Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and the Lunar New Year.
February is the only month that can have no full moon. This occurs about once every 19 years, and the last time it happened was in 2018.
The Winter Olympics are often held in February, as this is a popular month for winter sports.
February 18th is National Drink Wine Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the joys of wine.
The zodiac signs for February are Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20).
February is National Hot Breakfast Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of the most important meal of the day.
In the United States, February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
The national animal of Canada, the beaver, is featured on the Canadian nickel, which is worth five cents.
February 22nd is National Margarita Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
In many cultures, February is associated with the color purple, which symbolizes luxury, royalty, and power.
The highest-grossing film of February 2021 was “Tom and Jerry,” a live-action/animated hybrid based on the classic cartoon characters.
February 4th is World Cancer Day, a day to raise awareness about cancer and promote efforts to prevent, detect, and treat the disease.
In the United States, February is also known as National Snack Food Month, a month-long celebration of all the delicious and sometimes unhealthy snacks we love to munch on.
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a beautiful purple gemstone that is said to promote calmness and clarity.
February 15th is National Gumdrop Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the colorful and chewy candy.
In the northern hemisphere, February is one of the coldest and snowiest months of the year, with many regions experiencing freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.
The winter sport of curling, which involves sliding stones on ice towards a target, is often associated with February and the Winter Olympics.
February 10th is National Cream Cheese Brownie Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the delicious combination of fudgy chocolate and creamy cheese.
In many cultures, the month of February is associated with love and romance, due to the popular holiday of Valentine’s Day.
The Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein was born on February 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany.
The United States presidents who were born in February are George Washington (February 22, 1732), William Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773), Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809), and Ronald Reagan (February 6, 1911).
February 16th is National Almond Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the healthy and versatile nut.
In many cultures, February is associated with renewal and rebirth, as it marks the beginning of spring in many regions.
February 8th is National Kite Flying Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the joy of flying colorful kites in the springtime breeze.
In the United States, February is also known as National Cherry Month, a month-long celebration of the delicious and nutritious fruit.
The famous romantic tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare is set in the month of February.
In some cultures, the month of February is associated with the snow moon, a traditional name for the full moon that occurs in the middle of winter.

Fun Facts About February for Kids – 10 Fun Facts

Here are 10 fun facts about February that would be great for kids:

February is the shortest month of the year, with only 28 or 29 days depending on the year.
The name “February” comes from the Latin word “februum,” which means “purification.”
In many cultures, February is associated with love and romance, due to the popular holiday of Valentine’s Day.
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a beautiful purple gemstone that is said to promote calmness and clarity.
The famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2nd to predict whether there will be six more weeks of winter.
February is National Cherry Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of the delicious and nutritious fruit.
The zodiac signs for February are Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20).
The highest-grossing film of February 2021 was “Tom and Jerry,” a live-action/animated hybrid based on the classic cartoon characters.
February 12th is National Plum Pudding Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the sweet and spicy British dessert.
In many cultures, February is associated with renewal and rebirth, as it marks the beginning of spring in many regions.

Fun Facts About February – February Holidays

There are many holidays and observances celebrated in the month of February, depending on the country and culture. Here are some of the most notable holidays and observances:

Groundhog Day (February 2) – A popular tradition in the United States and Canada where a groundhog is used to predict the arrival of spring.

World Cancer Day (February 4) – An international day to raise awareness about cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

Chinese New Year (February 12) – A major holiday in China and other Asian countries that marks the beginning of the lunar new year.

Valentine’s Day (February 14) – A popular holiday in many countries that celebrates love and romance.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February) – A federal holiday in the United States that honors the country’s presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Carnival (February 15-16) – A festive celebration in many countries, particularly in Latin America, that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent.

National Heart Month (February) – A month-long observance in the United States to raise awareness about heart health and disease prevention.

National African American History Month (February) – An observance in the United States to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.

Family Day (Third Monday in February) – A holiday in some Canadian provinces that encourages families to spend time together and engage in fun activities.

Mardi Gras (February 16) – A celebration that takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, particularly in the United States, Brazil, and other countries with strong Catholic traditions.

Fun Facts About February – February Legends

There are many legends and myths associated with the month of February. Here are a few examples:

The Roman festival of Lupercalia – The festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in ancient Rome on February 15th and involved fertility rites and purification rituals. According to legend, the festival was named after Lupercus, the god of shepherds and fertility.

St. Valentine – St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is named after a Christian martyr who was executed in ancient Rome. The legend of St. Valentine tells of a priest who performed secret marriages for young lovers and was eventually caught and sentenced to death.

Groundhog Day – According to legend, if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd, it means that there will be six more weeks of winter weather. The tradition of Groundhog Day is believed to have originated with German settlers in Pennsylvania.

Chinese New Year – According to Chinese legend, the beginning of the lunar new year is associated with the story of Nian, a monster that would terrorize villagers on the first day of the new year. The legend tells of how the villagers were able to scare off the monster by using fireworks and decorating their homes with red decorations.

Mardi Gras – The tradition of Mardi Gras, which takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, is believed to have originated in medieval Europe. The legend of Mardi Gras tells of a time when people would indulge in rich foods and drink before the fasting of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

Fun Facts About February – February Traditions

There are many traditions associated with the month of February, depending on the country and culture. Here are a few examples:

Valentine’s Day – Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday celebrated in many countries on February 14th. The day is traditionally associated with love and romance, and people often exchange gifts, cards, and flowers with their significant others.

Chinese New Year – Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in China and other Asian countries that marks the beginning of the lunar new year. The celebration typically lasts for 15 days and is associated with family gatherings, feasting, and traditional activities like dragon and lion dances.

Carnival – Carnival is a festive celebration that takes place in many countries in the weeks leading up to Lent. The celebration is often associated with parades, costumes, music, and dancing.

Groundhog Day – Groundhog Day is a tradition in the United States and Canada where a groundhog is used to predict the arrival of spring. The tradition is associated with the belief that if the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd, there will be six more weeks of winter weather.

National Heart Month – In the United States, February is National Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health and disease prevention. Activities like heart-healthy cooking classes, exercise programs, and fundraising events are often held during this month.

Presidents’ Day – In the United States, Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that honors the country’s presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The day is often associated with patriotic celebrations and educational activities related to American history.

Winter sports – In many northern countries, February is associated with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Many people take advantage of the winter weather to participate in these activities or attend competitions and events.

Fun Facts About February – February Riddles

Here are a few riddles about February:

I am the second month of the year, But my days are often cold and drear. Cupid’s arrows fly on my fourteenth day, And some say a groundhog will have his say. What month am I?

Answer: February

I am a holiday celebrated in February, With hearts and flowers and love so merry. Some say I’m just a Hallmark scheme, But I’m still popular, it would seem. What holiday am I?

Answer: Valentine’s Day

I am a creature with sharp teeth and claws, And on February 2nd, I’m the star of the show. If I see my shadow, winter still has its claws, But if I don’t, spring will soon begin to grow. What am I?

Answer: Groundhog

I’m a season that February can bring, With snow and ice and chilly things. Kids love me for my snowball fights, But drivers dread me for slippery sights. What am I?

Answer: Winter

I am a month with fewer days, But that doesn’t mean I lack in ways To celebrate and honor the past, Like Presidents’ Day, a day that lasts. What month am I?

Answer: February

Fun Facts About February – February Symbols

February has several symbols associated with it. Here are a few examples:

Birthstone: Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is a purple variety of quartz and is often associated with royalty and nobility.

Flower: The flower associated with February is the violet. Violets are known for their sweet fragrance and delicate appearance, and they have been used in perfumes and herbal remedies for centuries.

Zodiac signs: The zodiac signs for February are Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20).

Holidays: Some of the holidays associated with February include Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, Presidents’ Day, and Groundhog Day.

Weather: February is often associated with cold weather, snow, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Colors: The colors associated with February are usually shades of purple, red, and pink, which are often used in Valentine’s Day decorations and clothing.

Animals: Animals associated with February include groundhogs, which are celebrated on Groundhog Day, and fish, which are often associated with the zodiac sign Pisces.

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Days and Dates

February, March, April, May, Tax Day, Year of the Rabbit, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice, Spring Equinox, Fall Equinox

Fun Facts about February

Table of Contents