
February is a month of celebration filled with many holidays to enjoy. Some, like Black History Month or Valentine’s Day, are more well-known, but others might come as a bit of a surprise.
To start, there’s Black History Month, which, as implied, encompasses the entire month, and is happening at this very moment.
Beginning as a weeklong celebration in 1926, the holiday was created by historian Carter G. Woodson with the intention of it coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent figures in African American history. The celebration was expanded to span the entire month in 1976, providing an even more extensive opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significant impact of African Americans on the nation’s history and culture.
Moving towards specific days, the first notable holiday of the month is Groundhog’s Day, which takes place on February 2. Stay tuned to see if Punxsutawney Phil (the famous groundhog) will see his shadow, or if Spring will arrive early for us this year! Maybe the most exciting holiday of the month: February 9 is National Pizza Day! Order a pie to celebrate – you deserve it.
The Lunar New Year began on January 29 and will be celebrated until February 16. It is the Year of the Snake! February 9 is Super Bowl Sunday, so get ready to root for your favorite team! (Alternatively, gear up for the Puppy Bowl – the true competition of the day.)
Then, there’s the famous February 14: Valentine’s Day. The history of Valentine’s Day is one shrouded in legend. One story tells how Saint Valentine, a priest in the third century AD, defied his emperor’s marriage ban for young men and continued to perform marriages for young couples in secret. Legend says he was executed on February 14 for his actions, memorializing the day forever in history. Another story claims that Valentine, while imprisoned, sent a letter to a girl signed, “From your Valentine,” and the phrase has carried on to this very day.
Either way, Valentine’s Day is one to be spent with your loved ones, and we hope that yours is filled with joy!
February 17 is President’s Day. Arriving on the third Monday of every February, the holiday celebrates the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while, most importantly, giving many people a day off from work and school to relax! I think Washington would want you to get some extra sleep in, so make
it count.
To finish off the month, February 28 is National Chocolate Soufflé Day, so feel free to enjoy a tasty treat as you wait for March to begin!
We wish you the happiest of Februarys, however you plan on celebrating this month!
By Gigi Appelbaum-Schwartz
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