Chinese New Year January 29
~ Year of the Wood Snake~
Begins a sixteen Day Festival for Chinese people of all religions; the first seven days are public holidays. Family reunions with thanksgiving and remembrance of departed relatives take place. Traditionally a religious ceremony honors Heaven and Earth. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. The energy and focus of Snake is transformation and spiritual growth.

Some February Interfaith Inspirations
United Nations ~ February 1-7 ~ World Interfaith Harmony Week
Started in 2010, observed worldwide the first week of February.
Goddess/Pagan ~ February 2 ~ Imbolc & Lammas
(northern/southern hemispheres) Mid point between Solstice and Equinox.
Wicca reflection on the power of the gods from which physical and spiritual harvest will come.
St. Brigid is honored as a triple goddess highlighted at this time. Maiden/Mother/Crone speaking creativity and fertility ~ including poetry!

Christian ~ February 2 Saint Brighid of Kildare Day
Celtic Christian recognition of Brighid who displayed unusual compassion.
Some say she was brought up as a Druid and became Christian.
Brigid is revered as a triple Goddess by Pagans who maintain that Christians
made her a Christian figure and saint due to her unshakable place in the culture.

Christian ~ February 2 Candlemas
Occurring 40 days after Christmas, Candlemas celebrates the birth of light. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, which occurs in Luke 2:22-40. On this day, all candles to be used in the church for the next year are blessed.

Christian ~ February 3 Saint Blaise Day
Primarily Catholic & Orthodox, honoring of a 4th century saint by blessing the throats of believers.

Baha'i ~ February 6th ~ Mulk
The beginning of the eighteenth month of the Bahá’í year; its name means “dominion.”

Christianity - February 14 - St.Valentine's Day
Christian celebration of the love of God presented in Jesus and in the lives
of Christian believers. St Valentine was a 3rd century martyr.

This day is widely observed in the USA as a secular celebration of love.

Buddhist Jain February 15 Nirvana Day/Parinirvana
Buddhist: a regional observance of the death of the Buddha.

Baha'i February 25-28 Intercalary Days
Baha'i insertion of days into the calendar in order to maintain their solar calendar.
Hindu February 26 Maha Shivaratri
A major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva.