Février

Février is the French word for February. It is the second month of the Gregorian calendar, consisting of 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years. Its name originates from the Latin word februarius, which in turn derives from februa, the Roman festival of purification.

Historically, February was the last month of the Roman calendar before a calendar reform moved it to its current position. The variable length of February accounts for the adjustment made to align the calendar year with the solar year.

In various Romance languages descended from Latin, similar words exist for February, demonstrating its shared etymological root. For example, febrero in Spanish and febbraio in Italian.

The month is often associated with winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Culturally, February is known for events like Valentine's Day.