February

At one time February was the last month of the year. True or false?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Originally the Roman calendar was only ten months.

Two months were added at the end of the year, but later changed to become the first two months.

This led to the inconsistency of the ninth to twelfth months actually getting their names from the numbers seven to ten.

February gets its name from the word februa. What language does this word come from?

• Greek

• Latin

• French

• Sanskrit

What is the meaning of the word "februa"?

• more daylight

• purification

• winter

• rain

Answer explanation

It means purification.

The Romans held feast of purification during this month.

Augustus Caesar took a day from February to make August the same length as July. True or false?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

There is a legend that he wanted the month named after him to be the same length as the month named after Julius Caesar, but there is no evidence to indicate that this is true.

Which of these flowers do many people consider February's flower? It's not the one you'd think!

• anemone

• snowdrop

• primrose

• crocus

What is the birthstone for February?

• ruby

• garnet

• amethyst

• sapphire

Answer explanation

Amethyst for sincerity.

How often does February have twenty-nine days?

• every other year

• every four years

• every ten years

• always

Answer explanation

There is actually a rare exception to this rule. When the year ends with 00, the first two digits have to be divisible by 4 to be a leap year.

Was 1900 a leap year? Yes or No?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Although 1900 is divisible by four, it was not a leap year.

In years ending with 00, the first two digits standing alone have to be divisible by four.

Thus 1600 and 2000 were leap years, 1700, 1800 and 1900 were not.

The second of February is Groundhog Day. It is also a special day for Roman Catholics. What is it?

• Michaelmas Day

• Candlemas Day

• St Andrew's Day

• Ascension Day

Answer explanation

St. Andrew's Day is November

Michaelmas Day is September

Ascension Day is forty days after Easter

Complete this quote: 'The most serious charge which can be brought against New England is not ----- but February'.

• Socialism

• Snobbishness

• Racism

• Puritanism

Answer explanation

Joseph Wood Krutch