Welcoming February with a Little Lore & More
Oh it has been a Murphy’s Law of a January here in my house, so I am very happy to welcome in a new month. Hello February! This seemingly quiet month heralds the official start of seed sowing season here in zone 5b. In just a mere week, ‘tis the season to get sowin’! But until then, here’s a little lore and more to kick-off your February!
February is named after the Latin word februum, which means purification. Personally, I really like the Anglo-Saxons take of calling February “cake month” (Sol-Monath). Offerings of cake to gods and friends sounds like a delicious way to spend the month.
February babies are born under the zodiacs of air sign Aquarius (January 20–February 18) or water sign Pisces (February 19 – March 20). With the water bearer of Aquarius symbolizing knowledge and healing. The pair of Pisces fish swimming in opposite directions symbolizes our duality and adaptability with a sensitivity to our emotions and heightened creativity.
Bird of the Month is Chickadee, which note only is my home state of Maine’s state bird, but also symbolizes hope, adaptability, perseverance and joy.
The Dolphin is the animal of the month, connecting us with the playful nature of Aquarius.
The Snow Moon is one of the many names for February’s Full Moon. Native Americans refer to it as the Hunger Moon, as hunting for food during this time of year becomes quite scarce. It’s also called Bear Moon, as this is the time of year when bear cubs are being born. The Celts call it the Moon of Ice or Ice Moon.
From the Celtic Tree of Life, which follows the lunar months, February’s two trees are the Rowan tree (January 21-February 17th) and the Ash tree (February 18-March 17th). The Rowan tree symbolizes courage and connection. Known for its protective abilities, branches of Rowan were hung on the inside of doors to keep those inside safe and sound. Ash, one of the three trees sacred to the Druids, is known for its association with vivid dreamwork and spiritual journeys. Known as the ‘World Tree’, Ash is thought to be a bridge between worlds.
February’s birth flowers are violet and primrose. Violets represent fidelity, affection and loyalty, where as early-blooming primrose reminds one that they are indispensable.
The birthstone for February is an amethyst. This beautiful gem represents love, friendship and protection.
February’s colors are red, pink and violet. Reds and pink symbolize this month of love, as violet pays homage to February’s birthstone and birth flower.
Cheers to a good month ahead! Here’s to much love and peace!