Named after Februus, the Roman god of purification, the month of February marks the start of a new year of the lunar calendar. Around the world, a quiet revival has begun: The holiday rush and lethargy of January have passed, and though winter is in full swing, the earliest hints of nature's reawakening are appearing, allowing the season of gifting flowers to begin — just in time for Valentine's Day! February is also the year's shortest month, a subtle reminder that even though another clean slate has arrived, time is still fleeting. Though February grants hope and clarity to all who seek it, it turns out that those born this month receive a few special lifelong gifts.
February: an artistic month
A study from the U.K.'s Office of National Statistics found that February babies are more likely to become artists than those born in any other month. This suggests that February is the birth month of more "right-brained" individuals, meaning people who are naturally more gifted in the realms of creativity, intuition, and imagination, as opposed to "left-brained" individuals, who are more likely to excel in activities dealing with mathematics, analysis, and logic. In addition, the Journal of Social Sciences found that individuals born under the sign of Aquarius, which includes the first 18 days of February, are more likely to become celebrities than those born during the rest of the year.
February birthday babies lead with a smile
The sign of Aquarius has also birthed 20 percent of all U.S. presidents, more than any other sign, the most famous of which include Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. In addition, all Aquarius presidents except William Henry Harrison were elected to more than one term in office. End-of-February babies do not need to fret, however — a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com found those born under Pisces, the sign that includes the last 10 days of February, to be among the “most satisfied" with their careers, regardless of their field of work.
February's birth flowers are charming and dependable
February's first birth flower is the Viola odorata, known commonly as a violet. Most often found in bright purple and blue, this small, bell-shaped bloom carries a distinct honeyed scent and is quite nutritious — its petals contain more vitamin C than many vegetables. The cultivation of violets dates to Ancient Greece, wherein 500 B.C., the flower represented Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and passion. Greek mystics of the era created to love and fertility potions with violets, while physicians used its petals to treat skin inflammation and respiratory problems. Over time, the flower has come to represent faithfulness, loyalty, and attentiveness. Some even believe that keeping violets in the workplace can focus concentration and increase teamwork.
Though similar in name to the popular red rose, February's second birth flower, the primrose, is not botanically related to the classic symbol of Valentine's Day. The primrose represents platonic love or among lovers, eternal commitment, as the giver is said to consider the recipient an irreplaceable friend, ally, or partner. Among the year's earliest blooms, the primrose draws its name from the Latin term "primus," meaning "first" or "early." This perennial originated in Europe and was used in the Middle Ages to treat arthritis and paralysis; today people turn to it to ease insomnia and breathing problems. Like the violet, the primrose is consumable and can be found in many salads and teas.
February's zodiac signs are strong-willed and good-hearted
The zodiac figure of Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) is the "water bearer," an innovative mystic healer who bestows life upon the earth. Appropriately, many born under the sign are humanitarians who contribute to the world in unique — and at times eccentric — ways. Idealistic and often an artist of some sort, the Aquarius doesn't mind being labeled as quirky, for they know their goals are righteous. However, even in philanthropic settings, an Aquarius so values their intuition that they can at times struggle to hear others out. With an open mind, though, an Aquarius is unmatched at serving the common good. Michael Jordan, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, Ed Sheeran, and Alicia Keys are all born under Aquarius.
As the last sign in the Zodiac, a Pisces (Feb. 19 to Mar. 20) is said to embody a bit of every other sign, granting them the ability to communicate in a nearly psychic manner. Just like an Aquarius, Pisces is a compassionate creative who deep down would do anything to help those in need. The emotionally sensitive nature of Pisces grants them great empathy, though, with such potent feelings, sentiments can overtake their logic. The sign's symbol, two fish swimming in a circle, is said to represent the personal balance that a Pisces must maintain to enjoy life. Well-known Pisces include Rihanna, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Taylor, Justin Bieber, and Olivia Rodrigo.
AUTHOR
A former arts and culture writer for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's Pulitzer Prize-winning Patriot News, Jonathan Rowe is a New York-based feature writer for SPIN, Men's Fitness, and WONDERLUST travel. He has crafted original content and news for Sony Music, Live Nation, Spotify, and ESPN, and works as a songwriter in conjunction with multiple Grammy winners.