February derives its name from Februare--to expiate, to purify. In this
connection, it is interesting to note that on the 2nd of the month
falls Candlemas Day, which is the purification of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
_CANDLEMAS DAY_ (February 2nd)
(a) If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight:
But if Candlemas Day brings clouds and rain,
Winter is gone and won't come again.
(b) If Candlemas Day be fine and clear,
Corn and fruits will then be dear.
(There'll be twa winters in the year.)
_ST. VALENTINE'S DAY_ (February 14th).--Like so many of our old
observances, the festival of St. Valentine dates from the time of the
Romans, but the Church rechristened the custom and called it after one
or two saints of the name, both of whom were martyred, one in the third
and the other in the fourth century.
Latterly, the day has been dedicated to Cupid by fond lovers who
believe it to be the date on which each bird chooses its mate.