This page provides a number of opportunities to link inn signs with a selection of anniversaries, events and personalities of the month in times past.

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February

February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

The Romans held a festival of purification, called Februa, on what would now be February 15th. The festival subsequently gave its name to the month, which was a late addition to the Roman calendar (first appearing around 700 BC).

Snowdrops – sometimes known as February Fair Maids, Candlemas Bells and Mary’s Tapers, have started to flower and were traditionally brought indoors to ‘purify the house’. (But as Richard Mabey records in Flora Britannica, bringing snowdrops indoors is considered by some to be unlucky).  

I don’t have a picture of a sign with snowdrops, but Alan Rose supplied this picture of a pubsign in Lewes, Sussex named the Snowdrop – not quite what I had in mind, but full marks for effort, Alan! The picture on the sign recalls an avalanche – the worst ever recorded in Britain – that occurred at Christmas 1836. A large build-up of snow on the nearby cliff slipped down onto a row of cottages in which eight residents died.

Watch out! - 2012 is a leap year!
Valentine's Day: February 14

The romantic associations of St Valentine’s Day are thought to be derived not so much from the saint, but because, it coincides with the mating season of birds: "For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, When ev’ry fowl cometh to choose her mate.." Chaucer, Assembly of Fowls.

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Email photos with a suggested anniversary link at least 3 months in advance to: adcollis{at}blueyonder{dot}co{uk}

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or referred to, on this page are still on public display.