Februus
There once was a god named Februus in classical roman mythology. A god that was so called upon that even the month of February was named after him! Februus, the Roman god of purification who resides in the Underworld.. who was later named Pluto? Also see: Hades (greek)
In ancient Rome Februus was the god of purification. He was also worshipped under the same name by the Etruscans, as the Etruscan god of purification and also of the underworld. For the Etruscans, Februus was also the god of riches (money/gold) and death, both connected to the underworld in the same natural manner as with the better-known Roman god Pluto.
Februus may have become the Roman Febris, goddess of fever (febris in Latin means fever) and malaria. These are possibly connected with the sweating of fevers, which was considered a washing and purification process.
Februalia or Februatio was the Roman spring festival of washing and ritual purification, later incorporated into Lupercalia.
Lupercalia the Roman festival is often seen as an early version of Valentines day. During Lupercalia men paired with women for fertility rites as part of the festival.
Februus’ holy month was Februarius (of Februa), hence English February, a month named for the Februa/februalia spring purification festival which occurred on the 13th to 15th days of that month.
In the Roman calendar, February was the last month of the year and also the beginning of spring. Thus, the sense of “spring cleaning” emerges with this festival.
In ancient Rome Februus was the god of purification. He was also worshipped under the same name by the Etruscans, as the Etruscan god of purification and also of the underworld. For the Etruscans, Februus was also the god of riches (money/gold) and death, both connected to the underworld in the same natural manner as with the better-known Roman god Pluto.
Februus may have become the Roman Febris, goddess of fever (febris in Latin means fever) and malaria. These are possibly connected with the sweating of fevers, which was considered a washing and purification process.
Februalia or Februatio was the Roman spring festival of washing and ritual purification, later incorporated into Lupercalia.
Lupercalia the Roman festival is often seen as an early version of Valentines day. During Lupercalia men paired with women for fertility rites as part of the festival.
Februus’ holy month was Februarius (of Februa), hence English February, a month named for the Februa/februalia spring purification festival which occurred on the 13th to 15th days of that month.
In the Roman calendar, February was the last month of the year and also the beginning of spring. Thus, the sense of “spring cleaning” emerges with this festival.