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February 2012
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Download Annual Calendar (PDF)
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February 1
Black History Month
Black History Month began as "Negro History Week," which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Today, Black History Month, also referred to as African-American History Month or African Heritage Month, is celebrated annually in the U.S. and Canada in the month of February to recognize the significant contributions to society made by those of African descent.
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February 2
Groundhog Day
An annual holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day fails to see its shadow, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.
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February 12
Maha Shivratri (Hindu)
Also known as the Great Night of Shiva, Shivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (which can be in February or March) every year. Observations include offerings of Bael leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night-long vigil.
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February 14
Valentine's Day
Holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery.
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February 14
Chinese New Year
A 15-day celebration beginning on the first day of the new moon and ending on the full moon, Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in Chinese culture and the date changes every year. Year 2010 is the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese calendar. Celebrations include festivities, fireworks, special meals with family and gift giving. Like Christmas in the western world, most families travel home to be with one another for the new year celebration.
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February 15
Presidents' Day
Until 1971, both Feb. 12 and 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. In 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal holiday – the Presidents’ Day – to be observed on the 3rd Monday of the month, honoring all past presidents of the United States.
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February 15
Nirvana Day (Buddhism)
Also known as Parinirvana, this Buddhist holiday is observed primarily by Mahayana Buddhists to commemorate the death of Buddha when he reached total nirvana – at the age of 80. Nirvana Day is celebrated with contemplation of the Buddha’s teachings.
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February 15
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday)
Mardi Gras also known as "Fat Tuesday," is the Carnival festival held the day before Ash Wednesday. This festival is celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. The festival is generally celebrated for one full week before Lent. Mardi Gras is marked by spectacular parades featuring floats, pageants, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and people dancing in the streets.
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February 17
Ash Wednesday
This day markes the first day of Lent and falls forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays). On this day, ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned. This practice – dating as far back as the early Middle Ages – is common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and many Lutherans.
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February 26
Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)
Mawlid al-Nabi is a celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam. Muhammad was born about A. D. 570 and died in A. D. 632. During his life, he established Islam as a religion and, in doing so, replaced tribal loyalty with equality among all Muslims. The Mawlid al-Nabi was first observed around the thirteenth century and was preceded by a month of celebration. The actual day of Muhammad's birthday included a sermon, recitation of litanies, honoring of religious dignitaries, gift giving, and a feast. The festival spread throughout the Muslim world and is celebrated in many countries today.
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February 28
Purim (Jewish)
Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. Common traditions include reading the Book of Esther, exchanging gifts of food and drink and giving charity to the poor.
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