Top 10 facts about February

1. The name of February came from the Latin februa, a means of cleansing, which referred to the pre-spring purification rituals.

2. There was a Roman god of purification called Februus, who
was also the Etruscan god of the underworld.

3. The original ancient Roman calendar began in March and ended in December. January and February were not given names around 700BC.

4. Before Julius Caesar reformed the calendar in 46BC, February was the only month with an even number of days. Odd numbers were seen as luckier.

5. Even when Caesar introduced leap years, the last day of February was the 28th. The extra day was achieved by counting February 24 twice.

6. Much Ado About Nothing is the only Shakespeare play that mentions February.

7. The Anglo-Saxons called February Solmonath meaning month of mud.

8. February registers 423 million hits on Google. The misspelt Febuary registers 310 million.

9. The only time a month begins and ends on the same day of the week is February in a leap year.

10. February is an anagram of bare fury (if you’re angry) or bury fear (if you’re feeling brave).