February is Shortest But Busiest Month

February is the shortest month in the calendar, last day of which ends on the 28th day except during the Leap Day every four years on the 29th day, which we will touch on later. There are so many February holidays and observances to commemorate. Of course, February is the month of Valentine’s Day and the federal holiday Presidents’ Day, and it’s when we honor Black History Month, too. This year, 2013, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Ash Wednesday also fall in February.

Do you realize that there are 108 February Holidays and Observances for this fun-filled month? To mention all and the meanings of observances will easily fill up this small allotted space. Let’s go through some meaningful and some silly ones, besides those observances already mentioned above.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and is observed six weeks before Easter Sunday. Therefore, It can fall on either a day in February or in March. On Feb 2nd, the world watches on Ground Hogs Day to see if our furry friend will predict six more weeks of winter by seeing its shadow.

Lunar New Year 2024 falls on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 24th, 2024. The festival that is frequently referred to as ‘Chinese New Year’ is not only celebrated in China. The term ‘Lunar New Year’ is increasingly used to refer to festivals in other countries that take place at the same time and with many of the same traditions as in China.

There are many fun food days like National Pizza Day, National Margarita Day, National Chili Day, National Drink Wine Day, National Strawberry Day, National Bagel Day, Ice Cream For Breakfast Day, Tater Tot Day, Crepe Day, National Carrot Cake Day, World Nutella Day, and National Frozen Yogurt Day.

While you don’t have to celebrate every special day and week-long or monthly observances, make your month more fun and meaningful. Whether you are wondering what awareness month February is (it’s American Heart Month, among others) or when the Superbowl is—or are just pondering the best day to whip up a batch of banana bread—enjoy the February month to the fullest.

And, as it is Leap Day, February 29. this extra day makes the year 366 days long – not 365 days, like a common year. Leap days are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun.

Leap day as a concept has existed for more than 2000 years and it is still associated with age-old customs, folklore, and superstition. One of the most well-known traditions is that women propose to their boyfriends, instead of the other way around, referring to traditions and folklore..

After spending pleasures on Hearts Day and the Superbowl, you can give National Margarita Day, Fettuccine Alfredo Day, Golden Retriever Day, and so many others their due. Happy February to all!###

-By Anonymous Editorialist