February Oddities, February 3 2025 375 words

The month of February has an odd history. The original Roman calendar had only 10 months. The winter season was not marked with months.It had 304 days in the year with around 61 days in the winter season. Romans used the winter months to visit with family and friends. Road construction and military training were conducted before spring campaigns. The Roman week was 8 days in length
In changed the calendar in the year 321AD to seven day week, and added the months of January and February. Also decreed that Sunday would be the first day of the week. The Emperor’s conversation to Christianity in 318 AD after reporting seeing a vision of a cross with the inscription, “The Son will conquer.”, leading Constantine to convert. The months were based on a solar rather than a lunar cycle.
January was the first month of the year and February the last. Romans considered even months as unlucky. The month of February with 28 days was dedicated to purification and festivals honoring the dead.
This form of marking time was used until the late 16th century. Pope Gregory decreed that ten days be added to the calendar to assure the spring equinox occurred on March 21st. A leap year was added every four years with an added day in February. The Gregorian calendar is used by most of the world. The Greek Orthodox base their holy days on the Julian calendar. There are only four countries that don’t follow the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia, Iran, Afghanistan and Nepal don’t use the Gregorian calendar.
A popular myth is that the dayFebruary 29th is unlucky except for those born on that day.Another myth is that an angel visited Adam and Eve after they were thrown out of the Garden of Eden.The story occurred in the month of February.
In February, we celebrate President Day, Valentine’s Day and Ground hog’s Day, many people see this month as one to endure rather enjoy. Take courage. February will not last!
***. poem
February
Flu shot
Eager for spring
Birds start to migrate
Ready for sunshine
Use indoor gym another month
Air damp with fog
Rather read a book
yearning to put away winter boots
carolaspot@aol.com. copyrighted 2/3/25