The Journey Journal

February is Black History Month: Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. Some influential Americans included Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth.

February 2: Ground Hog Day: The Germans started the tradition. Yes, the see-his-shadow-ornot concept stems from Germany and the holiday, Candlemas. Early European Christians believed that if the sun came out on Candlemas (also February 2), winter would last for another six weeks. The groundhog really can predict the end of winter. Just not with his shadow. Because groundhogs hibernate every winter, the fact that he'd bother to leave his hideaway is a natural sign of spring to come! The furry critter is also easy to find groundhogs live in the majority of central and eastern U.S., plaguing gardeners everywhere. The original Groundhog Day involved eating groundhogs. After sightseers celebrated Punxsutawney Phil's weather prediction in 1886, they all headed over to Gobbler's Knob to dine on a feast made up of various groundhog dishes and the equally-delicious-sounding groundhog punch.

February 21: Mardi Gras: Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.

February 22: Presidents’ Day: The birthday of U.S. President George Washington (February 22) was first celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States in the 1880s. In 1968 the holiday was adapted to also honor the birth of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and moved to the third Monday in February.

February 23: Battle of the Alamo: The siege and the final assault on the Alamo in 1836 constitute the most celebrated military engagement in Texas history. The battle was conspicuous for the large number of illustrious personalities among its combatants. These included Tennessee congressman David Crockett, entrepreneur-adventurer James Bowie, and Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna. For many Americans and most Texans, the battle has become a symbol of patriotic sacrifice. Traditional popular depictions, including novels, stage plays, and motion pictures, emphasize legendary aspects that often obscure the historical event.