February is the second month of the year and last of the winter period. Its name comes from the Latin term Februum, which means purification. In Cyprus, it is also called Flevaris or Fevraris. This name is connected to the word “Fleva” (En. Vein), because it is believed that the cold weather during February “freezes the veins of the earth”.

February is also called “methismenos” (Eng. Drunk) because it is said that when God was distributing days to the different months, February was unhappy with its allotment of 30 days, got drunk and cursed God. As a punishment, God reduced its days to 28, and 29 in a leap year. February is also known as “Koutsofevraros” or simply “Koutsoulos”, which literally translates to “Lame February”. This nickname is used because this month is shorter than the others, making it looks “incomplete”. Local tradition holds that January and March stole a day from the weaker February because January wanted to begin the year with more days, and March wanted an extra day to “grow”.

During this month, it is believed that the bad weather prevails, interrupted with periods of sunshine. That is why the saying goes: “Even if February is cold, summer is near. But if it gets angry, it can bury you in snow” (Cyp. “O Febraris febrarizei tzai kalotzierkes myrizei, m’ an tou doxei tzai katziosei mes ta sionia enna mas hosei”.) Despite the cold and rainy days, February’s blossoming almond trees announce the arrival of spring. Three villages on the Heartland of Legends route (Limnatis, Giolou, and Salamiou) hold their annual Almond Tree Blossom festivals celebrating the so-called “bride of the winter”.

The wisdom of the elders, after centuries of observation, holds that the weather on February 2^nd, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, predicts the weather conditions for the rest of the month. They believe that if the day has good weather, a harsh winter will follow. Conversely, If the day is bad with rain or even cold, summer is expected to arrive soon.

Tsiknopempti (Fat Thursday), Apokries (Carnival) and Green Monday are the most significant customs still celebrated today. Since these holidays fall on different dates each year, they may occur in either February or March.

Tsiknopempti, celebrated 11 days before Green Monday, marks the official opening of the Carnival celebrations with outdoor parties and consumption of massive amounts of grilled meat. The Monday after Tsiknopempti starts the Tyrini week (Eng. Cheesefare week) during which the custom is to abstain from meat and eat instead dairy foods like milk, yogurt, cheese and of course pourekkia (cheese filled pastries). Carnival events continue for ten days and escalate on Shrove Sunday with Carnival parades in different cities. The following day, Green Monday, signals the beginning of the Great Lent. It is a day of outdoor excursions and picnics, during which the consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products is prohibited. Instead, shellfish, fresh vegetables, and special types of bread take center stage, making it a unique and flavorful celebration.

February is filled with name days, including Saint Tryfon’s Day on the 1st, Saint Symeon Day on the 3rd, Saint Theodoros Stratelates Day on the 8th, Saint Charalambos’ Day on the 10th, Saint Theodoros Tiron Day on the 17th, Saint Kassianos’ Day on the 29th and many more. According to local tradition, Saint Kassianos is celebrated every 4 years because he asked God to be honored multiple times per year. As a punishment, God ordained that his feast day be celebrated only on February 29th.

In rural areas, it was customary for people to align agricultural tasks with the Saint’s feast days. Saint Tryfon, the patron saint of viticulture, is even depicted in his icon holding a pruner. Therefore, on this day, pruning is prohibited. Instead, the fields are sprinkled with holy water to ensure a good harvest and protect against harmful agricultural pests and diseases.

There are numerous superstitions and beliefs associated with religious Saint’s feasts as well. Saint Symeon is regarded as the patron saint of pregnant women. On his feast day, for instance, pregnant women are advised not to touch knives or scissors, and to avoid getting hurt, as it is believed that their child will be born with a birthmark.

Religious fairs, known as panigyria, are a cherished tradition in our villages, celebrating their patron saints. This month, panigyria are being held in the village of Deneia in honor of Saint Charalambos and the village of Saint Theodoros Larnakas for Saint Theodoros Tiron.