February 2025 - Massage Luc
February 2025
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February (Feb.) is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, coming between January and March.
It is the shortest month of the year, and is also known as the third month of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
It has 28 days in common years, and 29 days in leap years.
This was to make the calendar match to the rest of the world.
In the Southern Hemisphere, February is a summer month.
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February, is named after a Roman purification festival called “februa”, which occurred around the fifteenth of this month.
“Februa” literally means “month of cleansing” – a fitting title considering that February was once the last month of the year..
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Facts about February:
Name
The name comes from the Latin word februum, which means "purification".
Holidays
February is home to several popular holidays, including Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day.
Black History Month
In Canada, February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the history and legacy of Black people in Canada.
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Why Are There Only 28 Days in February?
Each month in the modern Gregorian calendar consists of at least 28 days. That number would be a nicely rounded 30 were it not for February. While every month besides the second in the calendar contains at least 30 days, February falls short with 28 (and 29 on a leap year).
So why is the most widely used calendar in the world so inconsistent in the lengths of its months?
And why is February stuck with the fewest number of days?
Blame it on Roman superstition.
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Explanation of a leap year:
A year in the Gregorian calendar when February has 29 days instead of 28.
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An extra day is added to the calendar about every four years.
Why?
The Gregorian calendar’s oldest ancestor, the first Roman calendar, had a glaring difference in structure from its later variants: it consisted of 10 months rather than 12.
In order to fully sync the calendar with the lunar year, the Roman king Numa Pompilius (753–672 BC), added January and February to the original 10 months. The previous calendar had had 6 months of 30 days and 4 months of 31, for a total of 304 days.
However, the king Numa wanted to avoid having even numbers in his calendar, as Roman superstition at the time held that even numbers were unlucky.
He subtracted a day from each of the 30-day months to make them 29. The lunar year consists of 355 days (354.367 to be exact, but calling it 354 would have made the whole year unlucky!), which meant that he now had 56 days left to work with. In the end, at least 1 month out of the 12 needed to contain an even number of days.
This is because of simple mathematical fact: the sum of any even amount (12 months) of odd numbers will always equal an even number—and he wanted the total to be odd.
So Numa, chose February, a month that would be host to Roman rituals honoring the dead, as the unlucky month to consist of 28 days.
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Despite changes in the calendar as it was altered after Numa’sadditions—alterations that include the shortening of February at certain intervals, the addition of a leap month, and eventually the modern leap day—February’s 28-day length has stuck.
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February’s Symbols:
Its birth flowers are the violet (Viola), the common primrose (Primula vulgaris), and the Iris.
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Its birthstone is the amethyst, which symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom, and sincerity.
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The zodiac signs of February are Aquarius (until February 18) and Pisces(February 19 onward).
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Violet (Viola)
Violets have many meanings, including:
· Modesty: Violets are often associated with modesty because they grow low to the ground with their heads bowed.
· Faithfulness: Violets are also symbols of faithfulness and loyalty because they return year after year.
· Spiritual wisdom: Violets are linked to spiritual wisdom and insight in many cultures.
· Innocence: Violets are often looked upon as a sign of innocence.
· Sapphic love: Violets became symbolically associated with romantic love between women.
This connection originates from fragments of a poem by Sappho about a lost love, in which she describes her as "Close by my side you put around yourself [many wreaths] of violets and roses."
In another poem, Sappho describes her lost love as wearing "violet tiaras, braided rosebuds, dill and crocus twined around" her neck.
In 1926, one of the first plays to involve a lesbian relationship, La Prisonnière by Édouard Bourdet, used a bouquet of violets to signify lesbian love
· February birth flower: Violets are the birth flower for February because they are some of the earliest spring bloomers.
· Queen Victoria's favorite flower: Queen Victoria was a big fan of violets, and the flower became very popular in Victorian England.
· Violets also have a rich history in folklore and herbal medicine.
· According to Greek mythology, violets were created when one of Goddess Artemis' nymphs, (who had all sworn to stay maidens), was being pursued by her twin brother, the God Apollo.
To "protect" her nymph from her brother's erotic advances, Artemis transformed her into a violet, which in turn led the violet to become a symbol of modesty.
· In Christianity, violets symbolize the Virgin Mary's humility.
You may read more:
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https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/about/blog/2021/12/21/queer-botany-the-sapphic-violet/
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https://www.farmersalmanac.com/february-flower-lore
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_(plant)
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Iris flower
Etymology
The genus takes its name from the Greek word ἶρις îris "rainbow", which is also the name for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
Some authors state that the name refers to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species.
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Iris flower meaning:
The iris flower has many meanings, including:
· Faith, hope, and wisdom: These are the most common meanings of the iris flower.
· Nobility: The iris has been associated with royalty throughout history, especially in France and Italy.
· Spring and new beginnings: The iris's petals strengthen in warmer weather, symbolizing the start of spring.
· Positive change: The iris is always changing, reflecting the transformative power of its divine namesake.
· Communication and messages: The iris's symbolic association with communication and messages comes from its role as a divine courier for Zeus and Hera in Greek mythology.
· Valor and chivalry: The iris's regal appearance and its link to the Greek gods give it associations with valor and chivalry.
· Purity, innocence, and sympathy: White irises symbolize these qualities.
· Friendship and deep relationships: Bright yellow irises symbolize these qualities.
· Protection and power: Egyptians view the iris as a symbol of these qualities.
The meaning of an iris flower can vary depending on the variety and color of the flower. For example, purple irises are associated with wisdom and compliments, while blue irises are associated with hope and faith.
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You may read more:
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_(plant)
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Amethyst
Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz.
The name comes from the Koine Greek "αμέθυστος" - amethystos.
From α- a-, "not" and μεθύσκω (Ancient Greek) methysko / μεθώ metho (Modern Greek), "intoxicate".
A reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.
Ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.
Amethyst, a semiprecious stone, is often used in jewelry as gemstone bracelet, tumble, beads, cabochon etc.
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History
Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems.
The ancient Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication, while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle in the belief that amethysts heal people and keep them cool-headed. Beads of amethyst were found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England.
Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as "not drunk" at Pentecost in Acts 2:15.
A large geode, or "amethyst-grotto", from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was presented at a 1902 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Cultural history
Ancient Greece
The Greek word amethystos may be translated as "not drunken", from Greek a-, "not" + methustos, "intoxicated". Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness.
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In his poem "L'Amethyste, ou les Amours de Bacchus et d'Amethyste" (Amethyst or the loves of Bacchus and Amethyste), the French poet Rémy Belleau (1528–1577) invented a myth in which Bacchus, the god of intoxication, of wine, and grapes was pursuing a maiden named Amethyste, who refused his affections. Amethyste prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the chaste goddess Diana answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethyste's desire to remain chaste, Bacchus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.
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Variations of the story include that Dionysus had been insulted by a mortal and swore to slay the next mortal who crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wrath. The mortal turned out to be a beautiful young woman, Amethystos, who was on her way to pay tribute to Artemis. Her life was spared by Artemis, who transformed the maiden into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears then stained the quartz purple.
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This myth and its variations are not found in classical sources. However, the goddess Rhea does present Dionysus with an amethyst stone to preserve the wine-drinker's sanity in historical text.
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Other cultural associations
Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the Buddha and make prayer beads from it.
Amethyst is considered the birthstone of February.
In the Middle Ages, it was considered a symbol of royalty and used to decorate English regalia.
In the Old World, amethyst was considered one of the cardinal gems, in that it was one of the five gemstones considered precious above all others, until large deposits were found in Brazil.
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Amethyst has many meanings and uses, including:
· Royalty: Amethyst's deep purple color has long been associated with luxury, wealth, and power.
· Protection: Amethyst is said to protect against negative energy and open the heart to love and tolerance.
· Emotional support: Amethyst is said to provide emotional support in the form of confidence and calmness.
· Wellness: Amethyst is said to help promote strength and freedom from bad habits.
· Spiritual growth: Amethyst is associated with the Third Eye and Crown chakras, promoting spiritual growth, intuition, and higher consciousness.
· Clarity: Amethyst is known for its ability to provide clarity and insight.
· Stress relief: Amethyst is well-known for stress relief.
· Grief relief: Amethyst is known to bring relief from grief.
· Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
· Amethyst is a member of the quartz family and is often found in the form of six sided crystals
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You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February
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https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-amethyst-gems-yore/
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Aquarius zodiac sign
Aquarius (
︎) (Greek: Ὑδροχόος, romanized: Hydrokhóos, Latin for "water-bearer") is the eleventh astrological sign in the zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in the Aquarius sign between about January 20 and February 18.
Aquarius is one of the three air signs, alongside Gemini and Libra.
The ruling planets of Aquarius are Saturn (In traditional astrology alongside Capricorn), and Uranus in modern astrology.
Aquarius is a fixed air sign.
The opposite sign of Aquarius is Leo.
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History and mythology
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Ancient Middle East
Aquarius is identified as GU.LA "The Great One" in the Babylonian star catalogues and represents the god Ea himself, who is commonly depicted holding an overflowing vase. The Babylonian star-figure appears on entitlement stones and cylinder seals from the second millennium. It contained the winter solstice in the Early Bronze Age.
In Old Babylonian astronomy, Ea was the ruler of the southernmost quarter of the Sun's path, the "Way of Ea", corresponding to the period of 45 days on either side of winter solstice. Aquarius was also associated with the destructive floods that the Babylonians regularly experienced, and thus was negatively connoted.
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Ancient Egypt
In Ancient Egypt astronomy, Aquarius was associated with the annual flood of the Nile; the banks were said to flood when Aquarius put his jar into the river, beginning spring.
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Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Aquarius is sometimes associated with Deucalion, the son of Prometheus who built a ship with his wife Pyrrha to survive an imminent flood. They sailed for nine days before washing ashore on Mount Parnassus.
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Yet another figure associated with the water bearer is Cecrops I, a king of Athens who sacrificed water instead of wine to the gods.
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But the most popular myth about Aquarius is the myth of Ganymede, a youth in Greek mythology and the son of Trojan king Tros, who was taken to Mount Olympus by Zeus to act as cup-carrier to the gods.
- The story:
Zeus fell in love with Ganymede and either sent an eagle to kidnap him or transformed into an eagle himself.
Ganymede was taken to Mount Olympus, where he became Zeus's cupbearer and was granted immortality.
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In Homer's account of the abduction in the Iliad, the poet writes:
Ganymedes was the loveliest born of the race of mortals, and therefore
the gods caught him away to themselves, to be Zeus' wine-pourer,
for the sake of his beauty, so he might be among the immortals.
— Homer, Iliad, Book XX, lines 233–235.
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- The compensation:
In exchange for Ganymede, Zeus gave Ganymede's father ultra-precious “divine gifts” to compensate him.
Some poets mention immortal horses and some others golden vines and others mention more “divine gifts”.
Neighboring Aquila represents the eagle, under Zeus' command, that snatched the young boy;
some versions of the myth indicate that the eagle was in fact Zeus transformed.
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Important details:
Zeus transforms himself to a swan in order to couple with the queen Leda.
Zeus transforms himself to a bull in order to couple with the princess Europe.
Zeus transforms himself to a “golden rain” to couple with the imprisoned princess Danae.
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The “transformations of Zeus” is a “huge chapter” for the people that study mythology.
It is a “huge chapter” and it is also a very interesting chapter – because every “transformation” has a particular “meaning”.
BUT – when Zeus abducts Ganymede, he is “transforming himself to an eagle”.
And the eagle is the “animal – symbol” of Zeus.
I think that this is a very interesting detail.
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In all the versions the beautiful Ganymede is the eternal "boy lover" of the great God Zeus.
The love of Zeus is "lifting" the mortal boy.
Ganymede is becoming immortal and he is even placed in the sky among the stars!
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Ganymede – etymology:
The name Ganymede comes from the Ancient Greek words gánumai ("I rejoice, I am glad") and mḗdea ("thought, intention"). The name is sometimes translated as "meant to please".
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Almost all the great artists presented versions of the "abduction of Ganymede".
(Examples:
Peter Paul Rubens: Painted The Kidnapping of Ganymede.
Mazza: Painted The Rape of Ganymede in the late 16th century.
Rembrandt van Rijn: Painted The Abduction of Ganymede in 1635.
Martin Ridgwell: Painted Ganymede's abduction.
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And many more painters - even modern painters.
The "Abduction of Ganymede" is a very classic "artistic theme")
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The story of the handsome youth who inspires love to a powerful god and is lifted to a "god – like - status", can be “seen from many different angles” and can be given many different interpretations.
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I think that in conclusion the entire myth is very interesting.
Students of philosophy and psychology they have many things to analyze.
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But I think that everybody can see a very obvious meaning:
The myth speaks for the love between a mature man and a younger man.
And in the myth this love is “eternal”.
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You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarius_(constellation)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarius_(astrology)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rape_of_Ganymede
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganymede_(mythology)
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https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Ganymedes.html
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganymede_(mythology)
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https://www.etymonline.com/word/Ganymede
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGIjYJIBGos
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Aquarius man personality
Aquarius men are known for being creative, smart, and independent, and they often have quirky personalities:
- Creative: Aquarius men are innovative thinkers with unique perspectives on life. They can be eclectic and offbeat, and they embrace their uniqueness.
- Smart: Aquarius men are intellectual air signs.
- Independent: Aquarius men are known for their innovative and independent nature.
- Humanitarian: Aquarius men are known as the humanitarians of the zodiac. They can be accepting and generous, and they are passionate about social causes.
- Easy-going: Aquarius men are often easy-going.
- Artistic: Many Aquarius men have a strong sensibility to the arts
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Aquarius man sexuality
In terms of love, Aquarius men are loyal and committed but not possessive. They treat their partners as equals and give them freedom. These people are sociable, imaginative, funny and friendly. Aquarius men like to investigate a lot in terms of love before being assured.
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You may read more:
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https://www.zodiacsign.com/man/aquarius/
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Important and commemorative days in February in Canada
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· Black History Month
· St. Valentine's Day
· National Flag of Canada: February 15
· World Day of Social Justice: February 20
· February 21
. International Mother Language Day
· Pink Shirt Day: February 22
· Groundhog Day
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Important and commemorative days in February in Canada analytically
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· Black History Month
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.
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The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
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The theme aligns with the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent and recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.
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No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to learn more about Black Canadian communities, and how they continue to help shape Canada.
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You may see more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np_jD0YUQrw&t=1s
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· St. Valentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday celebrated annually on February 14th. It's a day to express love and affection through gifts and greetings, and is celebrated in many regions of the world.
Here are some facts about Saint Valentine's Day:
· Origins
The holiday originated as a Christian feast day to honor a martyr named Valentine. The holiday's origins can be traced back to the Roman holiday Lupercalia, which welcomed spring.
· Saint Valentine
The holiday may be named after a priest who was martyred by the Roman emperor Claudius II Gothicus around 270 CE. Other accounts say the holiday is named after St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop. It's possible that the two saints were actually the same person.
· Traditions
People celebrate Saint Valentine's Day by exchanging cards, candy, flowers, and other tokens of affection.
· Popularity
Saint Valentine's Day is popular in the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, Argentina, France, Mexico, and South Korea. In the Philippines, it's the most common wedding anniversary.
· English poet Geoffrey Chaucer
Some say that English poet Geoffrey Chaucer may have invented Valentine's Day with his poem Parliament of Foules. In the poem, Chaucer links the celebration of St. Valentine's Day with courtly love and the tradition of birds coming together to find a mate.
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Cupid
Cupid is a symbol of Valentine's Day because he is the Roman god of love, and his association with the holiday dates back to the Middle Ages:
Origin
Cupid is the Roman god of love, desire, and attraction, and the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. In Greek mythology, he is known as Eros.
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Evolution
Cupid was originally depicted as a winged youth, but over time he became more commonly portrayed as a chubby cherub. The Romans also depicted Cupid as winged infants, or "putti".
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Association with Valentine's Day
Cupid became associated with Valentine's Day in the Middle Ages, when the holiday was already associated with romantic love. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Cupid became even more prominent on Valentine's Day cards, and by the time Hallmark began mass-producing cards in 1913, he was ubiquitous.
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Variations
Cupid's depiction has changed over time, with some versions showing him as a muscular adult, while others show him as a middle-aged man disillusioned with romance.
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Valentine’s Chocolate Tradition
The tradition of giving chocolate on Valentine's Day can be traced back to the Mayans, Aztecs, and the Victorian era:
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Mayans
Around 500 B.C., the Mayans used cacao beans in marriage ceremonies to symbolize the couple's future together.
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Aztecs
The Aztecs considered chocolate an aphrodisiac, and European royalty would give their love interests chocolate mixed with amber.
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Victorian era
In the 19th century, England saw a resurgence of interest in Valentine's Day, and the culture of gift-giving and expressing love through material objects became popular.
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Richard Cadbury
In 1861, Richard Cadbury, a member of the Cadbury chocolate family, created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. The boxes were decorated with cupids and rosebuds, which were popular symbols of romance at the time.
The tradition of giving chocolate on Valentine's Day quickly caught on, and other chocolate manufacturers around the world followed suit. Today, over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold around the world each year.
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In Japan, giving chocolate on Valentine's Day is not just limited to couples. It can also be a gesture of goodwill to keep up amicable relationships at work or school.
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You may see more:
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Valentine’s Day
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day
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https://www.britannica.com/video/history-of-Valentines-Day/-275449
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmKQTqwPQDU&t=1s
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEo74O-JNVY&t=1s
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rf-fqAaTdE
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Cupid
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS0e2Ifxo9Y
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eros
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFmKUuXZD_0
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Chocolate:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibjUpk9Iagk&t=5s
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjyv1gRLA4s
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPP9zgtG0Tk
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Valentine's Day in Japan
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_J_n1HXvq0
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· National Flag of Canada: February 15
At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. On the same day in 1996, National Flag of Canada Day was declared.
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Our national flag is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects the common values we take pride in — democracy, inclusion and equity.
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On February 15, let’s celebrate 60 years of our Canadian flag!
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You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Flag_of_Canada_Day
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https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-flag-canada-day/teachers-corner.html
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https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-flag-canada-day/about.html
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https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-history.html
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https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-flag-canada-day/toolkit.html
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· World Day of Social Justice: February 20
World Day of Social Justice (Social Justice Equality Day) is an international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections. Many organizations, including the UN, American Library Association (ALA), and the International Labour Organization, make statements on the importance of social and present plans for greater social justice by tackling poverty, social and economic exclusion and unemployment. The United Nations General Assembly has decided to observe 20 February annually, approved on 26 November 2007 and starting in 2009, as the World Day of Social Justice.
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You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Day_of_Social_Justice
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https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day
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· February 21
International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21st every year to promote multilingualism and linguistic diversity:
· Purpose
The day recognizes the importance of languages and multilingualism in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It also aims to raise awareness of the loss of languages and cultural heritage.
· History
The day was established in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to honor the efforts of the Bangladeshi people to protect their language. The day was inspired by the 1952 protest at the University of Dhaka, where four students were killed by police.
· In Canada
In Canada, International Mother Language Day is recognized by the International Mother Language Day Act, which designates February 21st as the day. However, it is not a legal holiday.
· Related initiatives
The United Nations International Day of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) focuses on multilingualism as a central part of Indigenous people's development. UNESCO has also declared the decade from 2022-2032 as the decade of Indigenous Languages.
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You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mother_Language_Day
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https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mother-language
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https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-19.7/page-1.html?txthl=as
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· Pink Shirt Day: February 22
Pink Shirt Day is an annual event against bullying held in Canada and New Zealand. Participants wear pink shirts and attend or host informative events to raise awareness about bullying, particularly in schools.
Pink Shirt Day was started in 2007 in Canada, where it is held on the last Wednesday of February each year.
It was adopted in New Zealand in 2009 and is observed annually on the third Friday of May.
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Purpose
Anti-Bullying Day was instituted to prevent further bullying. The United States Department of Justice showed that one out of four kids will be bullied during their adolescence.
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History
The original event was organized in 2007 by two grade 12 students named David Shepherd and Travis Price of Berwick, Nova Scotia, who bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after a ninth-grade student Chuck McNeill was bullied for wearing a pink polo shirt during the first day of school at Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, Nova Scotia.
That year, Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald proclaimed the second Thursday of September (aligning with the start of each school year) as "Stand Up Against Bullying Day" in recognition of these events.
In 2008, then-Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell proclaimed February 27 to be the provincial Anti-Bullying Day.
In 2009, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada worked on pink t-shirts that say "Bullying Stops Here." and "Pink Shirt Day" for Anti-Bullying Day.
In May 2009, New Zealand celebrated its first Pink Shirt Day.
In 2012, the United Nations declared May 4 as U.N. Anti-Bullying Day.
Similarly, UNESCO declared the first Thursday of November as the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School Including Cyberbullying.
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You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Shirt_Day
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Groundhog Day:
Groundhog Day is celebrated in Canada and the United States every year on the 2nd of February.
Legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks.
You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day
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Festivals and Events in Montreal in February 2025:
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https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/festivals-and-events
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Valentine’s food recipes
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https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/valentine-s-day
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https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/valentines-day/
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https://www.howsweeteats.com/2024/02/valentines-recipes/
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYP3WkyBhxY&t=14s
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4kv3Lpfr-w
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February month quotes and sayings
· “February is the border between winter and spring.”
― Terri Guillemets
· “While it is February, one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.”
― Patience Strong
· “No one’s ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that’s abandoned by February.”
― Suze Orman
· “While reflecting on past relationships and learning from them can be helpful, February isn’t the best time to try and gain insight.”
― Amy Morin
· “In February there is everything to hope for and nothing to regret.”
― Patience Strong
· “Though February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.”
― Charmaine J. Forde
· “February, a form pale-vestured, wildly fair. One of the North Wind’s daughters with icicles in her hair.”
― Edgar Fawcett
· “February is even better, though, because it lets us study why so many of those resolutions are broken.”
– Sendhil Mullainathan
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You may read more:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?page=77&q=february
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Quotes and sayings for St. Valentine’s
· "You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."
- Sam Keen
· "Where there is love there is life."
- Gandhi
· "Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold."
- Zelda Fitzgerald
· "Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love."
- Albert Einstein
· "Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
- Franklin P. Jones
· "There isn't any formula or method. You learn to love by loving."
- Aldous Huxley
· "Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
- Robert Frost
· "Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart."
- Author Unknown
· "Love is the poetry of the senses."
- Honore de Balzac
· "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
· "One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter."
- James Earl Jones
· "The love that flows through your heart purifies not only your own spirit, but the love you share with others."
- Caroline Myss
· "You are precious in my eyes. I honor you and love you."valentine-2-1.jpg
- Isaiah 43:4
· "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
- Lao Tzu
· "In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony."
- Eva Burrows
· "Charity, a word that comprises love and justice, may well be the most sublime of all Christian virtues."
- Diana Butler Bass
· "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
- Galatians 5:22-23a
· "In the garden of the soul, the virtues of faith, hope, and love form the centerpiece. Traditionally called theological virtues, they come as free gifts from God and draw us to God. We cannot earn these virtues; God has already freely planted them in our soul."
- Bishop Robert F. Morneau (Humility: 31 Reflections on Christian Virtue (1997). St. Mary's Press: Winona, MN, p. 10)
· "Love a friend, a wife, whatever you like. Then, you will know there is a God."
- Vincent van Gogh
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You may read more:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/love
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https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?commit=Search&page=5&q=love+and+romance&utf8=%E2%9C%93
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Valentin’s messages
- You are the song that my heart loves to sing.
- All that you are is all that I’ll ever need.
- Take my hand, take my whole life too, but I can't help falling in love with you.
- I love you, not just because of who you are, but for who I have become when I am with you.
- Life is better when I have you by my side.
- It’s been a journey … one I’d do all over again.
- You're my Wonder Woman/Superman.
- Every scar. Every flaw. Every imperfection. I love you.
- Every love song is about you. Happy Valentine's Day!
- I love that we've never lost the magic that makes us us.
- You're in all of my best memories.
- You give my heart peace. I love you so much.
- You’re my happily ever after.
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You may read more:
https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/valentines-day-ideas/valentine-messages/
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Quotes and saying for chocolate
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Chocolate Captions
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· My life is like a box of chocolates full of sweet indulgences and surprises.
· Chocolate is cheaper than therapy.
· I believe in love at first bite.
· Chocolate is my love language.
· Money can't buy happiness but it can buy chocolates. Same thing, right?
· Whoever said chocolates are better than sex, was absolutely right.
· Loco for cocoa.
· Spread chocolates like you spread smiles.
· Stress out and eat chocolate.
· Edible Happiness.
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Chocolate Quotes
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· “Nothing is as alluring as a piece of chocolate you can't have.” - Nina Sandmann
· “Exercise is a dirty word… Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth with chocolate.” - Charles M. Schultz
· “If it were easy to resist, it would not be called chocolate cake.”- Maryrose Wood
· “Make a list of important things to do today. At the top of your list, eat chocolate. Now, you’ll get at least one thing done today.” - Gina Hayes
· “Chocolate is a gift of love to yourself.” - Sonja Blumenthal
· “After eating chocolate you feel godlike, as though you can conquer enemies, lead armies, and entice lovers.” - Emily Luchetti
· “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” - Charles M. Schulz
· “Don't think that chocolate is a substitute for love! Love is a substitute for chocolate.” - Miranda Ingram
· “The way to a woman’s heart is through truth and trust. Well, all except mine. Mine is through chocolate.” - Taylor E. Bennet
· “Nothing is more romantic than chocolate.” - Ted Allen
· “The 12-step Chocoholics program: Never be more than 12 steps away from chocolate!” - Terry Moore
· “Love is like swallowing hot chocolate before it has cooled off. It takes you by surprise at first but keeps you warm for a long time.” - Henri Frederic Amiel
· “Strength is the capacity to break a Hershey bar into four pieces with your bare hands and then eat just one of the pieces.” - Judith Viorst
· “Reminiscent of childhood memories, luxury, sweetness and sensuality, chocolate is more than just a food–it is therapy.” - Christelle Le Ru
· “Chocolate: the poor man’s champagne. - Daniel Worona
· “Chocolate says “I’m sorry” so much better than words.” - Rachel Vincent
· “Chocolate is ground from the beans of happiness.” - Terri Guillemets
· “Caramels are only a fad. Chocolate is a permanent thing.” - Milton Snavely Hershey
· “Look, there’s no metaphysics on earth like chocolates.” - Fernando Pessoa
· “You brought chocolate as far as I’m concerned, you’re my new favourite person.” - Sarah J. Maas
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FUNNY:
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· My superpower is to make your chocolate disappear.
· Enough talking, let's eat some chocolate now!
· Had I been alive during the time of Captain Jack Sparrow, I would have become the renowned leader of the Chocolate Pirates.
· Being a certified chocolate taster.
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You may read more:
https://www.lechocolatier.com/blogs/blog/memorable-chocolate-quotes
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February 2025 in “Massage Luc”:
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The month of January 2025 – unexpectedly – was really a good month for “Massage Luc”.
And I say “unexpectedly” because usually we all spend money during the Holidays and the rest of the month of January, we all try to save some money.
So, business do suffer during January.
Plus, here in Montreal we have the very cold winter.
Many wealthy Montrealers, leaving the city during the winter.
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“January, month of empty pockets!” is a well-known quote by Sidonie Gabrielle Colette.
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On top of that I had been sick for an entire week.
I had only a minor flu.
But I could not accept clients of course.
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But despite all that – my little business (one -man – business) went well.
I have seen many of my regular clients.
And I have seen many new clients from Montreal and tourists – that was really unexpected this time of the year.
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The good thing is that all the New Clients they said that will come back.
So, I can stay in business.
And hopefully I can see you again and massage you again, my dear reader!
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For the month of February 2025, I will keep the same popular Special:
Just $ 130 for everything.
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My other Special is always valid:
The client that will come 3 times in a month (paying the regular price) wins a free "Boudoir Photography session" worth $ 300.
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Come to celebrate the month of Romantic Love, the month of St. Valentine with a nice Male Massage.
Offer yourself this inexpensive luxury - because you really deserve it!
Come to "Massage Luc".
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Happy Valentine’s 2025 to all my clients.
And may all your romantic dreams come true!
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I am always here waiting for YOU!
Discover Massage Luc's Signature Massages
Thai Massage
Our Thai massage services are a unique blend of acupressure, stretching, and rhythmic compression techniques. The therapist uses their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to apply pressure to specific points on the body, promoting relaxation and healing.
Aromatherapy Massage
Our aromatherapy massage services use essential oils to enhance the massage experience and promote relaxation and healing. We offer a variety of oils to choose from, each with their own unique benefits.
Reflexology Massage
Our reflexology massage services are based on the ancient Chinese practise of applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. This technique promotes relaxation and balance throughout the body.
Hot Stone Massage
Our hot stone massage services use smooth, heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body, promoting relaxation and healing. This technique is perfect for those looking to relieve tension and reduce stress.
Swedish Massage
Our Swedish massage services are a classic technique designed to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. This technique involves long, flowing strokes and kneading of the muscles.
Deep Tissue Massage
Our deep tissue massage services are designed to target chronic muscle tension and knots. This technique involves slow, deep pressure on the muscles and connective tissues.
