Why February's a 28-day wonder? It's all about ancient rituals!

Why February Has 28 Days

February, the shortest month of the year, has 28 days – but why is this curious anomaly?

The origins of this length lie beyond scientific explanation, rooted in ancient Roman superstition. Prior to the Gregorian calendar, the Roman calendar had only 10 months, with the early portion of the year being unnamed and irrelevant for agriculture.

In ancient Rome, two additional months, January and February, were added to cover the entire year. The uneven length of the months (29 or 31 days) was based on lunar cycles.

The Romans held an irrational aversion to even numbers, influencing the absence of a month with 30 days. February was arbitrarily assigned 28 days as a tribute to their deceased, reasoning that death was inherently unlucky.

The modern Gregorian calendar, established in 1583, shifted the basis for its division from the lunar cycle to the movements of the Sun. Despite these changes, February retained its unique 28-day length, except in leap years when an extra day is added.