SHORT & SWEET FEBRUARY

February is one of the most interesting months of the year, filled with celebrations and traditions from around the globe. Here are some interesting facts about February you may not have known before.
February is the only month in the year with fewer than 30 days? With only 28 days or 29 on leap years, February is the shortest month of the year.
February is named after the Latin word “februare” which means “to purify”. This month has a long history of being a time for cleansing and purification rituals in many cultures around the world.
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a purple stone that is believed to promote sobriety and clarity of mind. It was also believed to give strength and courage to those who wear it.

February is known as National Bird-Feeding Month ( USA)as birds prepare for their migration in late winter. Many species of birds leave their habitats to travel south for warmer temperatures during this time of year.
February 2nd, Groundhog Day, is widely celebrated in many parts of North America. This tradition dates back to 1887 and involves watching for a groundhog to come out of its burrow and predict the weather for the rest of winter.
Feb 1st, Union Budget is presented in India. Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated.
2nd Feb, World Wetlands Day is celebrated.World Wetlands Day isto bring attention to the importance of wetlands.
The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.
4 th Feb, World Cancer Day. This day is also significant in American history, as it marks Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. He, of course, is well known for his time as President and leading the country through the Civil War. He was also known for his strong moral stance on slavery and equality – something we should continue to strive for even today.
10 th Feb, National Deworming Day, observed to to make every child worm-free in India. World Pulses Day is also celebrated.

Feb 13th, Sarojini Naidu also known as ‘Nightingale of India’ was born on February 13th in the year 1879.
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a day dedicated to showing love and appreciation towards those you care about. This holiday is celebrated in many countries across the world and dates back at least as far as the 5th century.
February 19th, Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti, also known as Shiv Jayanti, is an annual day of celebration in India to commemorate the birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj was a great Maratha leader and warrior king who founded the Maratha Empire in. He was an influential 17th century ruler and is remembered for his courage, bravery and leadership skills. Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in many parts of India, especially in Maharashtra. On this day, various events are held to remember the brave king including processions, cultural programs, plays and other activities.
The month of February also has an extra day every four years due to a quirk in the Gregorian calendar. This extra day, which happens on February 29th of leap years, is called Leap Day and has become a day devoted to things that are out of the ordinary or unexpected.
If your are born on 29th February, you can celebrate only once in every four years.
No matter what day it is in February, it’s always sure to be an interesting month thanks to its many unique celebrations and traditions from all around the world.