by The Justice William J. Murray Jr. Unity Bar Section

February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada, a month designated to remember and celebrate the contributions of people of the African diaspora. February 1 is National Freedom Day which celebrates the signing of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States in 1865. February 1 is St. Brigid of Kildare, a feast day for St. Brigid celebrated by some Christian denominations. February 1–2 is Imbolc, a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan traditional festival that represents making way for spring and the rebirth of nature. February 2 is Candlemas, a Christian holiday that celebrates three occasions according to Christian belief: the presentation of the child Jesus, Jesus’ first entry into the temple, and Virgin Mary’s purification. February 3 is St. Blaise Day (The Blessing of the Throats), the feast day of St. Blaise of Sebaste celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church and some Eastern Catholic Churches. February 3 is Setsubun-Sai (Beginning of Spring), the day before the beginning of spring in Japan which is celebrated annually as part of the Spring Festival. February 3 is Four Chaplains Day which commemorates the anniversary of the sinking of the U.S. Army transport Dorchester and the heroism of the four chaplains aboard.

February 7 to 8 is Lailat al Miraj, a Muslim holiday that commemorates the prophet Muhammad’s nighttime journey from Mecca to the “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily; observing Muslims will celebrate Lailat al Miraj starting at sundown on February 7. February 8 to 10 is Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, a time of renewal through sacred and secular practices. February 10 is Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar in many East Asian cultures; celebrated with vibrant parades, traditional performances, and family gatherings, it symbolizes the renewal of life and the ushering in of good fortune. February 13 is Mardi Gras, the last day for Catholics to indulge before Ash Wednesday and starts the sober weeks of fasting that accompany Lent; the term “Mardi Gras” is particularly associated with the carnival celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana. February 13 is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday; although named for its former religious significance, it is chiefly marked by feasting and celebration which traditionally preceded the observance of the Lenten fast. February 14 is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent on the Christian calendar; its name is derived from the symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.

February 14 is St. Valentine’s Day, a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus; this holiday is typically associated with romantic love and celebrated by people expressing their love with gifts. February 14 is also Vasant Panchami, the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring; on this day, Hindus worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art, and culture. February 15 is Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana Day), the commemoration of Buddha’s death at the age of 80 when he reached the zenith of Nirvana; February 8 is an alternative date of observance.

February 20 is World Day of Social Justice which promotes global awareness and action for social justice, urging individuals and organizations to address issues of inequality, discrimination, and poverty through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts. February 24 is Maghi-Purnima, a Hindu festival especially for worshippers of Lord Vishnu; devotees take a holy bath on this day and carry out charity work. February 24 is Magha Puja Day (or Maka Bucha), a Buddhist holiday that marks an event early in the Buddha’s teaching life when a group of 1,250 enlightened saints ordained by the Buddha gathered to pay their respect to him; it is celebrated on various dates in different countries. February 24 is also Lantern Festival, the first significant feast after the Chinese New Year; participants enjoy watching paper lanterns illuminate the sky on the night of the event. February 24 to 25 is Lailat al Bara’a, also known as Lailat Al Baraah, Barat, or popularly as Shab-e-Bara or Night of Forgiveness; it is an Islamic holiday during which practitioners of the faith seek forgiveness for sins. Muslims spend the night in special prayers and is regarded as one of the most sacred nights on the Islamic calendar. February 26 to February 29 is  Intercalary Days or Ayyám-i-Há, a period celebrated by people of the Bahá’í faith. At this time, days are added to the Bahá’í calendar to maintain their solar calendar. Intercalary days are observed with gift-giving, special acts of charity, and preparation for the fasting that precedes the New Year.