February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with quirky holidays, historic events, and even some weather wonders that you likely didn’t know about. Like a small package with big surprises inside, this little month contains some fun facts that will fascinate you.
As we approach February, let’s walk through some of the most interesting tidbits about this petit yet powerful month. You’ll never look at February the same way again after reading these fun facts.
Table of Contents
1. February Used to be the Last Month of the Year
Hard to imagine with January right before it now, but February was once the last month on the Roman calendar. That placed it after December, the tenth month, and January, added as the eleventh. It wasn’t until 700 BC that January and February were moved to the front of the calendar and the start of the new year was permanently placed in January.
2. It’s the Only Month with Less than 30 Days
Coming up short at just 28 days (and 29 on Leap Year), February boasts the least number of days of any month all year. With so many 30 and 31 day months, February stands out as a little sibling of sorts amongst the months. Its diminutive size inspired many of its nicknames like “Febtober” and “the month that pretends it has as many days as the big months”.
3. Feb 29th Only Happens Every 4 Years
No other date is as rare as February 29th, thanks to the Leap Year. Falling only once every 4 years, some even call February 29th a “leap” day when it comes. People born on this quirky date can play pranks and tell others they’re less than a quarter as old as their actual age. The next Feb 29th event happens in 2024.
4. It has Lots of Odd Holidays
When a small month gets creative with holidays, February has some unusual celebrations on the calendar. Unique made-up holidays like “National Fettuccine Alfredo Day” (Feb 7), “National Toothache Day” (Feb 9) and “National Clam Chowder Day” (Feb 25) add quirkiness throughout February. Unofficial holidays encourage a little silliness during the last full winter month.
5. Historical Events Took Place in February
Despite its short number of days, some monumental moments in history aligned with February dates. Both the start of Prohibition (February 1920) and its appeal (February 1933) happened in February 13 years apart. Oregon officially became a state on Feb 14, 1859. And pointing to February’s connection with presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were both born in February as well (Feb 12 and Feb 22, respectively).
6. It has Unique Weather Days
Not surprisingly, February contends with some wild winter weather given its cold seasonal placement at winter’s end. But the second month ushered in record setting extremes worth noting. On February 10, 1996 the eastern US saw an insane warm weather spike hitting records between 70-80 degrees F across the region. Yet just 9 years earlier in February 1987, many central US states experienced crippling ice storms and record freezing rain falls. I guess February keeps forecasters on their toes!
7. The Romans Said February Purified
Perhaps the most positive of all facts about February relates to the meaning behind its name according to ancient Romans. They believed February signified rituals of purification in preparation for a new year ahead. The name “February” stems from “Februum” – a purification ritual that concluded the previous calendar year.
8. It Hosts a Unique Travel Event
If you’re in need of a winter pick-me-up, February hosts a distinctive travel event that will inspire you to see the world. Established in 1990, International Book Giving Day happens on February 14th each year when book lovers around the globe unite to share their passion for literature and reading. Just another example of the quirky holidays filling up the February calendar!
9. Flowers and Chocolate Have Significance
It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February. Marking the approximate start of Spring, February has historically seen spikes in flower harvests and chocolate sales this time of year. With both staples of Valentine’s Day in bountiful supply by early-to-mid February, it solidified the month as a romantic celebration of love each year.
10. Many Parts of the World Have a Holiday
While not as universally celebrated as other well known holidays, Valentine’s Day in mid-February has grown popular far beyond US borders. Many parts of the world have put their own cultural spin the February holiday of love. In South Korea, it morphed into a more platonic “Sibling Day”. In Japan, women give gifts to men to express affection on February 14th. No matter how you celebrate romance in February, love is in the air!
In Closing on Fun February Facts
Who knew such a diminutive month could deliver such dynamic fun facts? While it may be short on days, February holds a special place on our annual calendar with its sprinkling of offbeat holidays, historic milestones, weather wonders and unique position in ancient Roman history.
As the shortest month, it certainly doesn’t come up short on intrigue. February proves mighty things really can come in small packages when discovering its lesser known details.
