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February 2008
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2 February |
Imbolc (Pagan) |
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Saturday
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This is one of the cornerstones of the Celtic Calendar.
It celebrates the growing power of the sun. Imbolc rituals are performed to ensure a steady supply of food. |
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2 February |
Candlemass (Christian) |
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Saturday
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Commemorates ritual purification of Mary forty days after the birth of Jesus.
Many people light candles on this day. |
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5 February |
Shrove Tuesday (Christian) |
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Tuesday
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Celebrated in the UK as Pancake Day
Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them.
Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it is the last day before Lent. Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the foods that are not allowed in Lent.
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6 February |
Ash Wednesday (Christian) |
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Wednesday
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This is the beginning of the 40 day period of Lent. A time of reflection and repentance, which may include an element of fasting.
In Ash Wednesday services churchgoers are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes as a sign of penitence and mortality. |
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7 February |
Yuan Tan - Chinese New Year (Chinese) |
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Thursday
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This year is the year of the Rat
'Kung Hei Fat Choi' is a traditional greeting meaning 'wishing you prosperity'. This is a time when gifts, flowers and sweets are exchanged and debts paid before the New Year begins.
It is also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year and Chun Jie. On New Years Eve houses are brightly lit, and door and windows are sealed to keep in good luck. On New Years Day they break these seals.
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8 or 15 February |
Parinirvana - also known as Nirvana Day (Buddhist) |
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Friday
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This day marks the death of Buddha.
Buddhists celebrate this by meditating or going to a Buddhist temple or monasteries. It is treated as a social occasion. |
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11 February |
Vasant Panchami (Hindu) |
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Monday
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Vasant Panchami is the festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. (Deepavali is dedicated to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and Navaratri Durga is dedicated primarily to Kali, goddess of strength, might and power.)
Yellow colour is given special importance on this day. On Vasant Panchami, Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped (with Puja, Havan etc.). Men and women try to wear yellow clothes on this day. Sweetmeats of yellowish hues are exchanged with relations and friends.
Vasant Panchami is also known as Shri Panchami. As Saraswati Puja, it is observed religiously almost in all parts of India especially in Bengal. As goddess Saraswati is pure and white and representing learning, no animal sacrifice is made to her. Idols of Saraswati are brought and worshipped.
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14 February |
St Valentine's Day |
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Thursday
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Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base.
Supposedly, Valentine decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.
Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.
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21 February |
Yuen Sui - Lantern Festival (Chinese) |
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Thursday
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Popularly referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day, this festival, held on the 15th day of lunar new year, marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Colourful lanterns in traditional designs appear in market stalls and are bought to decorate homes, restaurants and temples. |
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22 February |
Tu B'Shevat - The New Year of the Trees (Jewish) |
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Tuesday
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All trees have their anniversaries on this festival for religious accounting purposes. Today this has become a tree planting festival where people plant trees in memory of a loved one or friend. |
Further information
Natalie Hill
Equality and Diversity Officer
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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