February

February, second month of the year. The name was derived from the Latin word februa, signifying the festivals of purification celebrated in ancient Rome during this month. It was not originally included in the Roman calendar, which began with March. According to legend, King Numa Pompilius added the month of January at the beginning of the year and February at its end. The latter was placed in second position in the Roman calendar in 452 bc. February was originally 29 days long, but one day was later transferred to the month of August. It is now 28 days long in ordinary years, a 29th day being added in leap years. Notable United States holidays celebrated in February include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on the 12th and George Washington on the 22nd, which are now celebrated together as Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of the month. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th.