Februa

Februa

Februa, also Februatio was the Roman festival of purification, also commonly referred to as Lupercalia (see for more complete information on the holiday). The festival, which is basically one of Spring washing or cleaning (associated also with the raininess of this time of year) is old, and possibly of Sabine origin. According to Ovid, "Februare" as a Latin word which refers to means of purification (particularly with washing or water) derives from an earlier Etruscan word referring to purging [http://www.witchology.com/contents/february/calendar.php] .

The Roman month Februarius ("of Februa," whence the English February) is named for the Februa/Februatio festival, which occurred on the 15th day of the Roman month. A later Roman god Februus personified both the month and also purification, and is named for them. Thus, the month is named for the festival and not for the god.

Some sources connect the Latin word for fever ("febris") with the same idea of purification or purging, due to the sweating commonly seen in association with fevers.

References

[http://www.crowl.org/Lawrence/time/months.html]


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  • FEBRUA — I. FEBRUA Dea apud autiquos, quae mulierum menstruis praeerat, dicta a Februis i. e. purgationibus, quod feminas post partum secundis exeuntibus purgare putaretur. II. FEBRUA Dea pugationum, et sacra erant, quae Romani Diis Manibus placandis… …   Hofmann J. Lexicon universale

  • Februa — Dans la mythologie étrusque, Februa est le dieu de la mort et de la purification. Le mois de février a été nommé en son honneur. Sommaire 1 Bibliographie 2 Voir aussi 2.1 Articles connexes …   Wikipédia en Français

  • FEBRUA — Februarias …   Abbreviations in Latin Inscriptions

  • Hamadryas februa — Hamadryas februa …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Hamadryas februa — Hamadryas februa …   Wikipédia en Français

  • февраль — «februa» на латыни «очистительная жертва». В середине следующего за январем (см.) месяца в Древнем Риме проходили празднества в честь бога Фавна, покровителя стад; именно ему приносились очистительные жертвы, чтобы животные были здоровы и давали… …   Занимательный этимологический словарь

  • Feber — Historische Jahrestage Januar · Februar · März 1 2 3 4 5 …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Schmelzmond — Historische Jahrestage Januar · Februar · März 1 2 3 4 5 …   Deutsch Wikipedia

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