February Folklore

February

Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de BerryFrench Medieval Book of Hours, 1412"The word February is believed to have derived from the name 'Februa' taken from the Roman
'Festival of Purification'.  The root 'februo' meaning to 'I purify by sacrifice'.  As part of the seasonal
calendar February is the time of the 'Ice Moon' according to Pagan beliefs, and the period described
as the 'Moon of the Dark Red Calf' by Black Elk.  February has also been known as 'Sprout-kale'
by the Anglo-Saxons in relation to the time the kale and cabbage was edible."-   Mystical WWW    Some folklore on the month of February;
  My personal folklore in the middle of February, I have noticed that each year around this time, the days get a little longer, the sunsets become a more vivid rose and if you get up at dawn and touch the texture of the air and rub it through your fingertips, there is a cool crisp clean wetness in the air,almost like a moist spray of early spring sap.My pranayama practice feels richer, more alive,it is easier to breathe as the air contains this subtle moisture, purifying,indeed. It is a hopeful feeling that spring does and will return ....