February is the only month with fewer than 30 days. It has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years. The Roman month Februarius is derived from the Latin februum, meaning purification.
The Violet is the flower of February, of the Viola genus in the violet family Violaceae. Newly opened viola flowers may be used as a garnish, or in stuffings for fish and poultry. A few species exhibit specific characteristics, like the cultivar “Rebecca”, with a distinct vanilla flavor and hints of wintergreen. Some varieties of V. odorata add sweetness to desserts, fruit salads and teas, and the heart shaped leaves of the same species may be used as greens for salad.
The Amethyst is the birthstone of February. The name comes from ancient Greek, a- (not) and methustos (intoxicated), due to the belief that the stone prevented intoxication. It is a variety of quartz that gets its violet color from trace minerals, irradiation and iron impurities.
