February (i/ˈfɛbjuːˌɛri/ or /ˈfɛbruːˌɛri/ feb-ew-err-ee or feb-roo-err-ee) is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortestmonth and the only month with fewer than 30 days.

The month has 28 days in common years or 29 days in leap years.

The Roman month Februarius was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification.

February was a Roman god (deity): 

Februus was the pagan god of purification.

He was also worshipped under the same name by the Etruscans, as the Etruscan god (deity) of purification, but also the underworld.

For the Etruscans, Februus was also the god of riches (money/gold) and death, both connected to the underworld in the same natural manner as with the better-known Roman god Pluto.

Februus may have become the Roman Febris, goddess of fever (febris in Latin means fever) and malaria.

These are possibly connected with the sweating of fevers, which was considered a purgative, washing, and purificational process.

Februus is possibly named in honor of the more ancient Februa, (also Februalia and Februatio), the spring festival of washing and purification.

Februus’ month was Februarius (of Februa), hence English February, a month named for the Februa/februalia spring purification festival which occurred on the 15th of that month.