A Ritual for Februalia

Februalia, Februa, and also Februatio, was the Roman festival of ritual purification, later incorporated into Lupercalia. The festival, which is basically one of Spring washing or cleaning (associated also with the raininess of this time of year) is old, and possibly of Sabine origin. According to Ovid, Februare as a Latin word which refers to means of purification (particularly with washing or water) derives from an earlier Etruscan word referring to purging.

The Roman month Februarius ("of Februa," whence the English February) is named for the Februa/Februatio festival, which occurred on the 15th day of the Roman month. A later Roman god Februus personified both the month and also purification, and is named for them. Thus, the month is named for the festival and not for the god.

Here is a ritual for Februata, and is appropriate any day during the month of February:

• Color: White
• Element: Earth
• Altar: Spread with a clean white cloth and place thereupon four white candles and a bowl of water, very simply.
• Offerings: Clean something externally, and at the same time clean something internally....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: The Februalia