February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days. The month has 28 days in common years or 29 days in leap years.
February symbols: Its birth flower is the violet (Viola) and the common primrose (Primula vulgaris). Its birthstone is the amethyst. It symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom, and sincerity. Its Zodiac signs are Aquarius (until February 18) and Pisces (February 19 onwards).
Historical Events for February, 1542
Day of Week 2nd » Portuguese forces under Christovão da Gama capture a Muslim-occupied hill fort in northern Ethiopia in the Battle of Baçente.
Day of Week 13th » Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII of England, is executed for adultery.
Famous Deaths for February 1542
1st » Girolamo Aleandro, Italian cardinal (b. 1480)
13th » Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford, English assistant to Catherine Howard (b. 1505)
13th » Catherine Howard, English wife of Henry VIII of England (b. 1521)