February means "purification," and reflects both a pagan and Christian tradition of purification during this month.Lenten Campaign 2025
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While the modern celebration of February is most often associated with Valentines Day, the ancient world viewed it as a month of purification.
According to an early 20th-century book entitled Anthropological Papers, the English word, "February" is derived from a Roman rite of purification.
A 19th-century book entitled The Doctrine of the Deluge further confirms this tradition.
Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In the Roman calendar of the Catholic Church, February 2 is known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This refers to the rite of purification that Mary participated in 40 days after the birth of Jesus, mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.
It simply made logical sense for the Roman church to celebrate this feast in February, focusing Romans away from the pagan sense of purification, to a Christian one.
Furthermore, February is often the beginning of Lent, a time of intense spiritual purification.
Christians today are still encouraged to reflect during February on their sins and to begin their preparations for Easter. It can still become a month of purification, purifying our souls of sins so that we may be ready to welcome the Risen Jesus into our hearts at Easter.
