February 1, 2025
Signs and Symbols of February
By Eloise Graham
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is a purple variety of quartz. The name “amethyst” gets its meaning from the Greek amethystos which means a remedy against drunkeness. Amethysts were also believed to keep the wearer clear headed and quick witted. The Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by passion.
Violet and primrose are the birth flowers for February. These tiny woodland plants of February appear as purple carpeting on the landscape of nature. Wild violets show off their purple-blue petals and heart-shaped leaves in the cold climates.
Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, has become a big symbol of February weather predicting. His first prediction was in 1886. His prediction accuracy is around 40% correct.
Cupid is a sure sign of February. In classical mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. For the Romans, Cupid was always a cherubic little boy who followed his mother’s wishes to make people fall in love.
Hearts, heart shaped candies, chocolate and roses are all signs of Valentine’s Day. Originally, February 14 was the date set aside to honor St. Valentine’s death and burial in 270 AD. It is believed by some that this date could reflect the Catholic Church’s attempt to replace the ancient pagan celebration of Lupercalia, the fertility festival for the pagan god Faunus.
Images of Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, the 16th President of the United States are often found in the classrooms of schools. In years past, February 12 was considered a holiday to honor him.
Cherries, cherry pie and the cherry tree bring to mind the story of George Washington and his little hatchet. A very interesting article about this story, whether fact or fiction can be found on the National Parks Service website, nps.gov.
