Februalia

Februus, for whom the month of February is named, was a god associated with both death and purification. In some writings, Februus is considered the same god as Faun, because their holidays were celebrated so closely together. February was dedicated to Februus, and it was the month in which Rome was purified by making offerings and sacrifices to the gods of the dead.

The Februalia was a month-long period of sacrifice and atonement, involving offerings to the gods, prayer, and sacrifices. Because of the association with fire as a method of purification, Februalia eventually became associated with Vesta, a hearth goddess (known by the Greeks as Hestia). Now, however, the celebration only is recognized between January 30th and February 2nd.

Originally, the Roman year had only ten months–they counted out ten months between March and December, and basically disregarded the “dead months” of January and February. Later, the Etruscans came along and added these two months back into the equation. In fact, they planned to make January the first month, but the expulsion of the Etruscan dynasty prevented this from happening, and so March 1st was considered the first day of the year. February was dedicated to Februus, a god not unlike Dis or Pluto, because it was the month in which Rome was purified by making offerings and sacrifices to the gods of the dead. 

Because of the association with fire as a method of purification, at some point the celebration of Februalia became associated with Vesta, a hearth goddess much like the Celtic Brighid. 

Februalia was a month-long period of sacrifice and atonement, involving offerings to the gods, prayer, and sacrifices. If you were a wealthy Roman who didn’t have to go out and work, you could literally spend the entire month of February in prayer and meditation, atoning for your misdeeds during the other eleven months of the year.

If you’re a modern Pagan who would like to observe Februalia as part of your spiritual journey, there are a number of ways you can do so. Consider this a time of purging and cleansing–do a thorough pre-Spring cleaning, where you get rid of all of the things that no longer bring you joy and happiness. Take an “out with the old, in with the new” approach, and eliminate the excess stuff that’s cluttering your life, both physically and emotionally.

If you’re someone who has a hard time letting go of things, rather than just throwing stuff out, rehome it to friends who will show it some love. This is a good way to eliminate clothes that no longer fit, books you don’t plan to read again, or household goods that don’t do anything but gather dust. 

You can also take some time to honor the goddess Vesta in her role as a deity of home, hearth, and domestic life as a way of celebrating Februalia. Make offerings of wine, honey, milk, olive oil, or fresh fruit as you begin rituals. Light a fire in Vesta’s honor, and as you sit before it, offer her a prayer, chant, or song that you wrote yourself. If you can’t light a fire, it’s okay to keep a candle burning to celebrate Vesta–just be sure to extinguish it when you’re finished. Spend some time on domestic crafts, such as cooking and baking, weaving, needle arts, or woodworking.