The Roman month Februarius was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar.
February observances in Ancient Rome include Amburbium (precise date unknown, Sementivae (February 2), Februa (February 13-15), Lupercalia (February 13-15), Parentalia (February 13-22), Quirinalia (February 17), Feralia (February 21), Caristia (February 22), Terminalia (February 23), Regifugium (February 24), and Agonium Martiale (February 27).