February- Some things you may not already know...

1. Probably the most obvious- Valentines day. The 14th Feb, the day which you either love or hate (a bit like marmite) and has the shops decked out in red and pink for about a month.
2. Amethyst is the birthstone of February.
3. The birth flowers for February are primrose and viola.
4. February sees the national day of the sun celebrated in Argentina.
5. The Roman month 'Februarius' was named after the Latin term 'februum' which means purification, after the purification ritual February held in the old lunar Roman calendar.
6. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on the 6th February 1952.
7. 'Candlemas' is held on the 2nd February and is a day which celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. Today the candles to be used during the year in the church are blessed on this day.
8. The snowdrop flower is known for traditionally appearing in February, and symbolises hope.
9. While pancake day varies between February and March depending on Easter, this year it's the 17th February- time to get that batter ready!