February, the Unique Month.

 To the Romans, February was a time to clear the land.  We prepare for Easter.

 February is a unique month. It is the shortest, having twenty-eight days unless of course it is a leap year when there are twenty-nine. In Welsh, it is known as “y mis bach” meaning ‘little month’ and being shorter than the other months, it is possible that February passes without having a full moon.

There is something about February, though, that is a relief after the gloomy days of January. Perhaps it is that it is a short month, or perhaps it is when we begin to notice the lengthening days beckoning us towards the spring.

Of course, we have the Romans to thank for February, who added it together with January to complete their calendar. The word February comes from the Roman Februa, named after a festival of purification that was much like a ‘spring cleaning’ to purge evil spirits and prepare for spring. Traditionally, the land was cleansed or prepared for spring planting.

I cannot help but find it interesting that, even in modern times, there is still a ritual held at this time of year that perpetuates the idea of cleansing and preparing as we enter Lent.

Lent, which is the solemn Christian observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. A time that echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, enduring Satan's temptations, and preparing for his public ministry.

This year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, the 18th of February, and ends on Maundy Thursday, the 2nd of April. Ash Wednesday begins the journey of recognising our mortality in the ‘imposition of ashes’ – a practice where a cross of ash is placed on our foreheads as we are told,

‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.’    

While this could seem rather morbid, in fact, it grounds us in the reality of being human and broken, or to put it another way, not perfect. Yet in the symbol of the cross, we are reminded of Jesus’ defeat of death and sin on the cross and the giving of himself for us all. As with so many seemingly curious practices in the Christian faith, it is profoundly moving and helpful as we simply entrust ourselves once again to faith in Christ and a resolve to live in response to his love for us in changed lives.

Well, before all of this begins, I hope that you will make use of your flour, eggs and butter on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and enjoy some delicious pancakes before the fasting or abstinence of the Lenten journey. I know I will!

God bless you, however you spend this ‘little month.’

Revd Susan.