February 2 – Ground Hog Day
Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based in science, it is a fun US tradition. The movie, starring Bill Murray is hilarious! https://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/mdf/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2012/02/groundhog-300×214.jpg
February 3- Super Bowl Sunday! The Super Bowl is the annual American Football championship and a popular time for friends to gather in front of the TV. Each year millions of people watch the game, the half-time show – or just the commercials! People will be talking about the commercials for days. To learn more about football visit the “Life in the US” section of the Au Pair in America website http://aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/football.asp
February 12-Mardi Gras Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday” marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of the Christian fasting of Lent. The biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the US is in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil also has a huge celebration. Ask a Brazilian au pair to tell you all about it.
February 13 Ash Wednesday – Ash Wednesday, in Christian churches, is the first day of the penitential season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday some Christians have a smudge of ashes placed on their foreheads as a sign of penitence.
February 14 – Valentine’s Day is a time of love, friendship, giving, and caring. Americans use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to tell friends and family how much they care. Children usually exchange cards at school. Have your host children make them; it is a wonderful craft activity to do with them.
February –18 President’s Day. School is probably closed all week for February recess and President’s Day, which is a Federal holiday created to commemorate the births of former Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12). Throughout America, Presidents’ Day is observed by big sales in the stores, closed schools and no mail delivery. Things to do with children: The United States has had more than 40 presidents. How many can the children name? Who has been president during their lifetime? Take a look at American coins and bills; who are the Presidents pictured on each coin and bill?
February 23 Purim –The Festival of Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. There are four commandments for Purim: the reading of the story of Esther, festivity and rejoicing, sending gifts (usually food), and giving to the poor. It is customary to dress in costume for the celebration. (Note: all Jewish holidays begin at sundown and end the following day at sundown.)
