Fact 1: The Origins of February's Name
February derives its name from the Latin term 'februum', which translates to purification. This term was in accordance with a purification ritual known as 'Februa', held on February 15th in the old Roman calendar.
Fact 2: Litvinenko Inquiry Announced
Back on February 1, 2008, the UK government formally announced an inquiry into the suspicious death of the former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko. The formal proceedings started on August 31, 2015.
Fact 3: The Beatles' Rooftop Concert
The Beatles performed their last public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Records building in London, England on February 1, 1969. The impromptu concert was broken up by police after only 42 minutes.
Fact 4: Launch of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's Revolution
On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, an Iranian religious leader and politician, returned to Iran after 15 years in political exile. His return was seen as the launching point of the Iranian Revolution.
Fact 5: A Leap Year's Start
If the year is a leap year, February 1st is the day when both the Julian and Gregorian calendars will be in step for the first time since the establishment of the Gregorian calendar in 1582.
Fact 6: The BirthDay of Clark Gable
February 1 is the birthday of the legendary Hollywood actor Clark Gable, known for his iconic role as Rhett Butler in the film "Gone with the Wind".
Fact 7: The Tragic Day for Columbia
On the first day of February in 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragically disintegrated upon reentering Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members.
Fact 8: Rise of Hit Movies
Numerous blockbuster films have released on February 1st, including "The Fugitive", which debuted on February 1, 1993, and "Taken", which was released on February 1, 2009.
Fact 9: Langston Hughes' Birthday
February 1 is the birthday of Langston Hughes, a notable figure in the Harlem Renaissance and an influential African American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright born in 1902.
Fact 10: Creation of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
On February 1, 1977, Libya was proclaimed the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya" by its then-leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Fact 11: The Founding Date of U.S. Army Dental Corps
The United States Army Dental Corps was officially established on February 1, 1911. This day is celebrated annually in dental offices across military bases.
Fact 12: Celebration of World Hijab Day
February 1 is observed as World Hijab Day, encouraging women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab.
Fact 13: Topsy the Elephant's Burial
On February 1, 1903, the infamous Topsy the elephant was electrocuted and buried at Coney Island, New York, marking a tragic episode in the treatment of animals in entertainment.
Fact 14: The First Mini Disc Player
On February 1, 1992, the very first mini disc system was released by Sony. It marked a revolution in how people listened to and transported music.
Fact 15: The Birth of Horror Novelist Thomas Ligotti
Born on February 1, 1953, Thomas Ligotti, the influential horror author with a cult following, celebrates his birthday on this date.
Fact 16: The Debut of The Daily Courant
On February 1, 1702, The Daily Courant, England's first national daily newspaper, was published for the first time.
Fact 17: Fridays are Rule
If February begins on a Sunday, it will always end on a Saturday. This is because February has 28 days, exactly 4 weeks.
Fact 18: The Home of Groundhog Day
The second day of February is celebrated as Groundhog Day in the United States and Canada, making February 1st the anticipation day of whether winter will continue or spring will come early.
Fact 19: The Death of Buster Keaton
The silent film era comedic actor Buster Keaton passed away on February 1, 1966. He is best remembered for his physical comedy and deadpan expression.
Fact 20: The Establishment of Serengeti National Park
Protecting one of the largest migrations of wildlife on the planet, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was established on this amazing day, February 1, back in the year 1952.