February 01
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Abolition of Slavery Day(Mauritius)
Abolition of Slavery Day in Mauritius commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people on February 1, 1835. It is a time of remembrance and reflection.
Air Force Day(Nicaragua)
Air Force Day in Nicaragua honors the founding of the Nicaraguan Air Force on February 1. The day features ceremonies recognizing the service of military aviators.
Christianfeast day:
BlessedCandelaria of San José, BrigidofIreland(Saint Brigid's Day), Verdiana, February 1 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day on February 1 celebrates multiple saints including Saint Brigid of Ireland, Blessed Candelaria of San José, and Saint Verdiana. It is observed by various Christian denominations through liturgies and traditions.
Earliest day on whichConstitution Daycan fall, while February 7 is the latest; celebrated on the first Monday in February. (Mexico)
Mexico’s Constitution Day is observed on the first Monday in February to honor the enactment of the 1917 Constitution. This date marks the government’s commitment to social justice and sovereignty.
Federal Territory Day(Kuala Lumpur,LabuanandPutrajaya, Malaysia)
Federal Territory Day celebrates the formation of Malaysia’s federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya on February 1. It highlights the development and significance of these administrative regions.
Foundation Day(of theRyukyu Kingdom, celebrated inOkinawa Prefecture)
Foundation Day of the Ryukyu Kingdom celebrates the legendary establishment of Okinawa’s ancient kingdom on February 1. It honors the cultural heritage and history of the Ryukyu people.
Heroes Day(Rwanda)
Heroes Day in Rwanda honors those who fought for the country’s freedom and unity. Observed on February 1, it commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of national heroes.
Saint Brigid's Day/Imbolc(Ireland,Scotland,Isle of Man, and someNeopagangroups in the Northern hemisphere)
Saint Brigid’s Day, also known as Imbolc, marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the patron saint of Ireland. Observed on February 1 by Christian and Neopagan communities, it features rituals to welcome new life and light.
Memorial Day of the Republic(Hungary)
Memorial Day of the Republic in Hungary commemorates the proclamation of the republic on February 1, 1946. It honors the nation’s journey toward democracy and republican governance.
Events
The teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer.
At just 14 years old, Edward III ascended the English throne amid a power struggle. Real authority rested with Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer during his minority.
The First Peace of Thorn is signed in Thorn (Toruń), Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights (Prussia).
The First Peace of Thorn ends the conflict between the Teutonic Knights and the Polish-Lithuanian alliance. The treaty is signed in the city of Thorn (Toruń).
The Chinese general Koxinga seizes the island of Taiwan after a nine-month siege.
Ming loyalist leader Koxinga captures Taiwan from the Dutch after a prolonged siege. He establishes a stronghold for resistance against the Qing dynasty.
The Kalabalik or Skirmish at Bender results from the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III's order that his unwelcome guest, King Charles XII of Sweden, be seized.
Ottoman forces attempt to capture Sweden’s exiled King Charles XII in the Skirmish at Bender. The clash highlights tense diplomatic relations.
French Revolutionary Wars: France declares war on the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Revolutionary France expands its conflicts by declaring war on Britain and the Dutch Republic. This marks a new phase in the French Revolutionary Wars.
The capital of Upper Canada is moved from Newark to York.
Upper Canada relocates its capital from Newark to the newly founded town of York. The move aims to improve defense and governance.
Mayon in the Philippines erupts, killing around 1,200 people, which was the most devastating eruption of the volcano.
Mount Mayon erupts violently in 1814, causing widespread devastation in the Philippines. Approximately 1,200 lives are lost in the disaster.
Slavery is abolished in Mauritius.
Mauritius abolishes slavery, granting freedom to thousands of enslaved people. The move reshapes colonial society and the sugar economy.
American Civil War: Texas secedes from the United States and joins the Confederacy a week later.
Texas votes to secede from the Union and soon joins the Confederate States of America. The decision makes Texas the seventh Confederate state.
Births
Walter de Stapledon
English bishop who served as Lord High Treasurer under King Edward II. Founder of Exeter College, Oxford.
Amadeus IX
Duke of Savoy known for his devout faith and charitable works. His piety earned him the title the Blessed after his death.
Eberhard II
Duke of Württemberg from 1496 to 1498, noted for his efforts to consolidate ducal power. He faced significant resistance from local nobles during his short reign.
Conrad Celtes
German Renaissance humanist and poet who promoted classical studies across Europe. He founded several scholarly societies to revive ancient learning.
Johannes Trithemius
German Benedictine abbot renowned for pioneering works in cryptography and historiography. His writings influenced the development of secret codes and historical scholarship.
Edward Coke
Influential English jurist and statesman whose writings shaped the foundations of common law. He served as Attorney General and Chief Justice in early Stuart England.
Henry Briggs
English mathematician who introduced common (base-10) logarithms and advanced computational methods. His work greatly accelerated calculations in science and navigation.
Marquard Gude
German classical scholar and archaeologist noted for his extensive collection of ancient manuscripts. His discoveries enriched the study of classical literature and inscriptions.
Elkanah Settle
English Restoration poet and playwright known for popular dramas and dramatic rivalries. His works, including The Empress of Morocco, rivaled those of John Dryden.
Deaths
Kan Bahlam I
Ancient Maya ruler of the city-state of Palenque who reigned from 572 to 583.
Pope of the Catholic Church from 768 to 772 who strengthened papal authority in Italy.
Ramiro I
King of Asturias from 842 to 850 who defended his realm against Moorish forces.
Alexios Megas Komnenos
Founder and first emperor of the Empire of Trebizond who ruled from 1204 to 1222.
Henry II
Duke of Brabant from 1235 to 1248 known for economic and urban development.
King of France from 1322 to 1328 and the last direct male of the Capetian line.
Duke of Bavaria from 1460 to 1501 who guided his duchy through political challenges.
Girolamo Aleandro
Italian cardinal and scholar who played a key role in the early Counter-Reformation.
Emperor of Ethiopia from 1559 to 1563 who defended his realm against external threats.