Named for the 'februa' — Roman purification rites. The only month named for a ritual, not a god or number.
The second month of the year in the Gregorian and Julian calendars, consisting of 28 days (29 in a leap year).
From Latin 'Februārius,' derived from 'februa' — the Roman purification rituals held on February 15 during the festival of Lupercalia. The word 'februum' meant a purificatory instrument or offering, and the entire month was considered a time of ritual cleansing before the new year, which in the oldest Roman calendar began in March. February was added to the calendar by King Numa Pompilius alongside January around 700 BCE, bringing the year from 10 to 12 months