Each month, we ask our Crowd to tell us about the special holidays they celebrate. February is all about Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and more! Read on to learn more about how our Contributors celebrated.
February, Black History Month (Worldwide)
Demonstrators marching in the street holding signs during the March on Washington, 1963
Originating in the United States, Black History Month is an annual observance celebrating the accomplishments of Black people throughout history. Black History Month gained official recognition from U.S. and Canada and is also recognized in Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it is celebrated in October.
February 14, Valentine’s Day (Worldwide)
Originally known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on the fourteenth of February. The holiday originated as a feast day in Christian denominations in honor of Saint Valentine. Throughout the years, it has become a significant celebration of romance and love.
February 15, Shrovetide (Ukraine)
Pancakes cooked by Ruslan, one of our Contributors, for Shrovetide
Shrovetide is part of the Pre-Lenten season. It begins on Septuagesima Sunday and ends on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras. From one of our Contributors, Ruslan, “It is customary for my people to burn an effigy of Winter on this holiday. I usually bake pancakes for this holiday.”
February 18, Maha Shivratri (India)
It is believed that the deity Shiva performs his divine dance, called the Tandava, during this holiday
Also known as The Great Night of Shiva, this holiday is a Hindu celebration in honor of Shiva. The festival celebrates the wedding of Shiva, one of the most important deities in Hinduism, and Parvati, a Hindu goddess. Maha Shivaratri festivities include chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating. “We worship Lord Shiva on this date by visiting temples, reflecting inwards, meditating, or observing a fast. I’m a spiritual person, so this holiday is extremely special to me,” from our Contributor, Gamini.
February 20-21, Carnival (Brazil)
Carnival typically happens during February or early March. It is a Catholic festival season that happens right before Lent. People celebrate Carnival with elaborate parades, public street parties, and gathering together for meals. Costumes and masks are a big part of the Carnival experience and are thought to provide a sense of unity. According to one of our Contributors, Moises, “Carnival here in Brazil is a day full of joy, good conversation, good drinks, new friendships, and best of all, sincere smiles.”
Thanks for sharing your celebrations with us. Want to have your country featured on next month’s blog? Submissions for March are now open. Click the link to tell us about holidays happening in your part of the world.
