The Purpose of February, the Quintessential ‘Un-month’
Date: November 27, 2023
Due to many factors, February can be a depressing month. Primarily, it’s the “un-month,” or the space occurring just after something grand, yet before nothing at all—in a place BETWEEN. This and other reasons make the quintessential “un-month” slightly off. Let me explain.
1. Shortest of All Months
First, February is the shortest of all twelve months. It’s the second month in the Gregorian calendar and has just 28 days, not 30 days like “normal” months. Less likely to contend for respect than other calendar slots, its briefness reminds us that February isn’t enough.
Yet, much like a surprise jack-in-the-box, a 29th day pops up into the truncated mix every four years. Because there’s never enough room for the twenty-ninth (29th), this revolving day must “roost” itself unto a shared diagonal line with another date. Consequently, this makes twenty-nine appear much like an afterthought. Akin to making up a snow day, the 28th/29th calendar intrusion creates its own dilemmas. It’s a day, but it’s a day you just can’t depend on. Sometimes here, sometimes not. I.e., Is attendance required?
As if by an apology, the quadrennial “makeup day” gives us Leap Year. Therein, Leap Year causes its own set of problems. If I’m born on Leap Year, when is my birthday celebrated? What does a Leap Day do to “This Day in History?” But alas, this blog is not about Leap Year, but February, the month that’s not quite right.
2. A Place BETWEEN
Second, February is BETWEEN just about everything. It’s BETWEEN when the Christmas tree is retired to the burn pile—yet before there are signs of Spring saplings outside. Pragmatically, February is BETWEEN when the holiday company has all gone home—yet before those ten extra pounds from Aunt Bea’s holiday stuffing fall off your waistline. Alas, February is BETWEEN when the New Year’s “fireworks” fizzle out completely—but long before summer blossoms unfold or Spring birds break into song.
In short, February is that dull space BETWEEN what was and what is coming, a clear reminder of what is not.
Further, the month commences with “un-holidays.” Of note, the first un-holiday is February 2, aka Groundhog Day. By nature, this understated holiday begs us, “How much longer must we endure the space BETWEEN the ending of bad weather and the commencing of good weather?” It begs, “How long BETWEEN?”
Groundhog Day is followed by another anticlimactic holiday, President’s Day. While we respect and salute our big brass, President’s Day isn’t a cozy holiday. For instance, it’s not a celebration you match a sweater to or a festival you mail out postcards for. Therein, we’re confused about what we’re supposed to do on this day. Should we speed-dial the White House? Or do we take a president to lunch? In short, it’s an “un-holiday” with the same comfort as Groundhog Day.
Let’s be honest. February holidays are the space BETWEEN real holidays: After New Year’s but before Independence Day.
3. Weather Can Be Bleak
Third, winter blues set in during this BETWEEN time called February. In most places throughout North America, inclement weather lingers like a houseguest outstaying their welcome. In translation, February days are just darker and colder than most months. According to data from the National Weather Service, February is the snowiest month in the U.S.1 February is also the coldest time of year in the Northern Hemisphere.2
Moreover, winter weather can play a significant role in one’s deteriorating mental health. Lack of sunlight and Vitamin D profoundly affect one’s overall mood. It’s of no surprise Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms are most pronounced in January and February.
Accordingly, melatonin, a sleep-related hormone referred to as the “master biological clock” linked to SAD, contributes to widespread depression. Notably, the production of the hormone increases during winter darkness.3 Fatigue, lack of energy, and longings of sadness and hopelessness ensue during this time. February weather goes away. Come again another day!
4. Social Pressures Come to a Peak
Fourth, February brings an increased focus on romantic involvement. Valentine’s Day occurs mid-month, bringing social pressures to a peak. For singles or those experiencing relationship difficulties, society’s pronouncement of a romantic holiday can lead to feelings of loneliness. Sadly, for many, this BETWEEN stage of not having a Plus One contributes to inadequacy and isolation.
Sometimes, February 14 can be cause for pulling down the window shades and binge-watching TV while falling into a chocolate-induced coma.
Even for those in relationships, a hyper-romantic landscape can create stressors that weren’t present before. For example, it may force decisions to determine how Valentine-worthy the relationship is. I.e.), Is it get-a-way for the weekend worthy? Or is it still in quasi-friendship mode?
Despite the fact the month is synonymous with Cupīdō, Latin for the God of desire,4 the last week of February is the most popular time of year for breakups, according to a survey.5 That said, hearts are more likely to be officially broken at the end of the month, after “pivotal annual events like Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day are firmly behind.”5 Thank you, February.
5. Exams and School Projects Loom Ahead
Fifth, things pile up in this month. By this point in the academic year, students have been studying for months. The initial excitement of a new school year and a budding interest in new modalities and textbooks have generally worn off. As a result, students start to feel burned out. Typically, in this BETWEEN space, mid-semester blues set in.
Further, if one has procrastinated on a senior project or a final thesis, the mounting pressure of approaching deadlines can exacerbate feelings of stress and despair. If you’re shooting for a June graduation, that undone project could be staring you in the face. If so, remember not procrastinating is the key. Akrasia or procrastination is delaying a task or set of tasks.6 Much like February represents the space BETWEEN, akrasia is the space BETWEEN one’s present and future self. The action line is where one commences both selves and works on that task.6
Moreover, progress, not perfection, should be the aim. Additionally, rewarding yourself a little each day for progress can help propel you forward in any month—February included.
An Unusual Month
Yes, February is an unusual month. The shortest of all months, it’s the space BETWEEN where winter blues set in—yet before Spring awakens the world. Moreover, it can be a sluggish season as projects pile up and winter languishes. Often appearing as a space holder toward a better place, February is always “betwixt and between” but seldom the destination.
However, there may be something in February we missed. The word February is from the Latin Februa, meaning “to cleanse.” Stemming from the Roman festival of purification, Februa was a time for ritual washing.7
In its truest sense, Februa is synonymous with purification, the process of making something spiritually or ceremonially clean.8, 9 It’s akin to purging, having a clearing, emptying, or purifying effect.10
Beauty Nonetheless
Admittedly, February doesn’t dazzle like December or boast July’s patriotism. February lacks the promise of Christmas and the adventure of summer outings. It’s missing the luster of a late autumn sunset. But February may do something equally as important. It may be the understated “un-month” that begs us to pause in the space BETWEEN.
- BETWEEN is a place to catch our proverbial breaths.
- BETWEEN offers space—to shake off failed resolutions.
- BETWEEN gives sanctuary to wash away old habits and strength to pick up new ones.
- BETWEEN provides margins to acquire courage.
- BETWEEN, after all, is essential to the final destination.
If you look closely, there is beauty in the BETWEEN. Happy Februa.~
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Written by Cindy R. Chamberlin.
Citations
1 Boeckmann, Catherine. “The Month of February 2021: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore.” Www.almanac.com, Farmers’ Almanac. October 25, 2023. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
2 Steinberg, Michael. “Why Is February so Cold? | Almanac.com.” Www.almanac.com, Farmers’ Almanac. November 6, 2023. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
3 Drive, 4701 College, Et al. “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Winter Blues.” Penn State Behrend. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
4 Wikipedia Contributors. “Cupid.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. August 18, 2019. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
5^a, b Ilston, Sarah, and Hannah Dunn. “This Is the Time of Year Couples Are Most Likely to Break-Up.” Red Online, Hearst U.K. February 27, 2020. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
6^a, b Clear, James. “Procrastination: A Scientific Guide on How to Stop Procrastinating.” James Clear, 2015. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
7 “How Did the Month of February Get Its Name?” Dictionary.com. January 31, 2022. (Accessed November 15, 2023.)
8 Lupercalia. In Wikipedia. September 26, 2023. (Accessed November 17, 2023.)
9 Oxford Languages. “Oxford Languages.” Oxford Languages, Oxford University Press, 2023. (Accessed November 17, 2023.)
10 “Dictionary.com|Meanings & Definitions of English Words.” Dictionary.com. (Accessed November 17, 2023.)
