If you’re looking for some fun facts about february, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got you covered with everything from the number of leap years in February to the colors of flowers that bloom in the month. Plus, we’ve got a bunch of information on Groundhog’s Day and Valentine’s Day, too!
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Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a day to show your love and appreciation for your partner, family and friends. There are several fun facts associated with this holiday that can add to your knowledge.
The oldest known valentine in the English language dates back to 1477. It was written by Margery Brews. It contained sample rhymes and communication guidelines.
Another fun fact related to the Valentines Day card is the first Valentine message ever sent. Doctors in the 1800s prescribed chocolate to cure love disappointments.
In the United States, approximately 110 million roses are sold on Valentine’s Day. While the vast majority are imported from South America, a significant number are grown in California.
Cupid is a figure from ancient Greek mythology and is said to have love-matching abilities. He is the son of Venus and is a god of love.
Amethyst
Amethyst is one of the most popular birthstones for February. It is believed to help cure many ailments. As well as being a strong and calming stone, amethyst can clear away negative thoughts to help boost your intelligence.
Historically, amethyst is associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces. Amethyst can be found in a variety of colors, but its range extends from pale lavender to deep purple. The color of amethyst depends on the concentration of iron and manganese in the quartz structure.
It is believed that amethyst can heal bruises and wounds. It can also be used to prevent drunkenness. In ancient Greek civilization, amethyst was often entrusted with powers of warding off alcoholic beverages. Throughout history, amethyst has been carved into a variety of forms and used to make ornamental flasks and bowls.
Violet
The violet is one of the most popular flowers to give. It has a multitude of meanings, from its aphrodisiac qualities to its symbolic value.
In ancient Greece, the violet was considered the symbol of fertility, love and modesty. During that time, the Greeks used the flower for its fragrance, as well as in love potions.
Violets were also believed to have healing properties. Aphrodisiacs were made from violets, and early apothecaries believed they could help cure heart disease. Several species of violets, like the Mediterranean violet, have sweet oil.
The name “violet” comes from its color, which is a deep blue-purple. According to legend, the flower was created by the Greek goddess Artemis, who transformed nymphs into them. This was in order to protect them from Apollo.
Groundhog’s Day
Groundhog Day is an annual celebration held on February 2 in the United States. It is a religious holiday that has roots in pre-Christian traditions.
On Groundhog Day, people travel to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see whether or not Punxsutawney Phil, the local groundhog, will see his shadow. If the shadow is visible, Phil will predict six more weeks of winter. However, if the groundhog does not see his shadow, it will mean that spring is on the way.
Although the tradition originated in Pennsylvania, it has spread across the country. In 2010, the state of Texas began its own weather-predicting groundhog celebration. Now, dozens of groundhogs are featured in celebrations across the country.
Groundhogs are part of the Sciuridae family. They are also called woodchucks. These animals are said to be better at predicting weather than other animals. During their hibernation, they can lose up to 30 percent of their body fat.
Leap years
Leap years in February were in the news in the late 18th century. There were many a tale and tales associated with this time honored rite of passage. The most common complaint was that the new year was too far off to enjoy the festivities. This was not a problem for those who opted to live off the land in the hinterland.
There are several competing theories on who invented the first leap year. One hypothesis holds that the first three leap years were not necessarily a product of a single event. Another posits that a number of early moderns are to blame. On the plus side, this means we can take our pick from a plethora of winners. Of course, a fair number of the losers were those who were tainted by the good, bad or ugly.
