February 02
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Groundhog Day
A popular North American tradition in which a groundhog's behavior is said to predict the coming of spring.
Anniversary of Treaty of Tartu(Estonia)
Marks the 1920 signing of the Treaty of Tartu between Estonia and Soviet Russia, establishing Estonia's independence.
ChristianFeast Day:
Adalbard, Cornelius the Centurion, Martyrs of Ebsdorf, February 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian liturgical feast honoring Adalbard, Cornelius the Centurion, and the Martyrs of Ebsdorf as observed in Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Constitution Day(Philippines)
Commemorates the ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, observed as a national holiday in the Philippines.
Day of Youth(Azerbaijan)
A national observance in Azerbaijan celebrating the energy, potential, and contributions of its young people.
Earliest day on whichShrove Mondaycan fall, while March 8 is the latest; celebrated on Monday beforeAsh Wednesday(Christianity), and its related observances:
Bun Day(Iceland), Fastelavn(Denmark/Norway), Nickanan Night(Cornwall), Rosenmontag(Germany)
Shrove Monday, observed the day before Ash Wednesday, can fall as early as February 2 and is marked by Carnival celebrations across Europe.
Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Template or Candlemas(Western Christianity), and its related observances:
Aquarter dayin the Christianliturgical calendar(due toCandlemas). (Scotland), Celebration ofYemanjaorOur Lady of Navigators(Candomblé), Chandeleur(France), Liichtmëssdag(Luxembourg), Our Lady of the Candles(Filipino Catholics), Virgin of Candelaria(Tenerife, Spain)
Candlemas celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of Mary, observed with candle-lit rituals and diverse cultural festivities.
Victory of the Battle of Stalingrad(Russia)
Commemorates the Soviet victory in the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II on February 2, 1943.
World Wetlands Day
An international observance promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.
Events
Alaric II, eighth king of the Visigoths, promulgates the Breviary of Alaric (Breviarium Alaricianum or Lex Romana Visigothorum), a collection of "Roman law".
In 506, Alaric II, king of the Visigoths, issued the Breviary of Alaric, compiling Roman legal codes to govern his kingdom.
Battle of Lüneburg Heath: King Louis III of France is defeated by the Norse Great Heathen Army at Lüneburg Heath in Saxony.
In 880, King Louis III of France was defeated by the Norse Great Heathen Army at the Battle of Lüneburg Heath in Saxony.
Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor in nearly 40 years.
In 962, Pope John XII crowned Otto I as Holy Roman Emperor, restoring the imperial title after nearly four decades.
Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor becomes king of Burgundy.
In 1032, Conrad II, the first Salian emperor, assumed the kingship of Burgundy, expanding his realm.
The Battle of Lincoln, at which Stephen, King of England is defeated and captured by the allies of Empress Matilda.
In 1141, during the Anarchy, King Stephen was defeated and captured at the Battle of Lincoln by forces loyal to Empress Matilda.
Terra Mariana, eventually comprising present-day Latvia and Estonia, is established.
In 1207, the Papal-aligned Terra Mariana was established, covering modern Latvia and Estonia.
An intense earthquake struck the Principality of Catalonia, with the epicenter near Camprodon. Widespread destruction and heavy casualties were reported.
In 1428, a major earthquake devastated Catalonia, with its epicenter near Camprodon, causing widespread destruction.
Nine leaders of the Transylvanian peasant revolt are executed at Torda.
In 1438, nine leaders of the Transylvanian peasant revolt were executed at Torda, quelling the uprising.
Wars of the Roses: The Battle of Mortimer's Cross results in the death of Owen Tudor.
In 1461, during the Wars of the Roses, the Battle of Mortimer's Cross led to the death of Owen Tudor.
Births
Justin I
Justin I (c.450–527) was Byzantine Emperor from 518 until his death. He rose from peasant origins to establish a dynasty that would include his famous nephew, Justinian I.
James I of Aragon (1208–1276), known as 'the Conqueror,' was King of Aragon who expanded his realm significantly. He was a patron of literature and law, authoring the 'Llibre dels Fets.'
Eleanor of Navarre
Eleanor of Navarre (1425/6–1479) briefly reigned as Queen of Navarre in 1479. Daughter of Blanche I of Navarre, she upheld her realm’s autonomy during a turbulent period.
Elisabeth of Bavaria
Elisabeth of Bavaria (1443–1486) served as Electress of Saxony by marriage to Elector Ernest. She was known for her piety and patronage of the arts.
John
John (1455–1513) was King of Denmark, Norway, and briefly Sweden. He sought to consolidate the Kalmar Union and promote legal reforms.
Peter Martyr d'Anghiera
Peter Martyr d’Anghiera (1457–1526) was a historian and chronicler of early Spanish explorations. His writings offered some of the first European accounts of the New World.
Columba of Rieti
Columba of Rieti (1467–1501) was an Italian Dominican nun and mystic. She was known for her visionary experiences and piety.
Bona Sforza
Bona Sforza (1494–1557) was Queen consort of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania. She introduced Renaissance culture and agricultural innovations to her adopted homeland.
Damião de Góis
Damião de Góis (1502–1574) was a Portuguese humanist philosopher and historian. A friend of Erasmus, he chronicled early global trade and cultures.
Deaths
Laurence of Canterbury
Second Archbishop of Canterbury who helped organize the early English church and was later canonized as a saint.
Bruno
9th-century Duke of Saxony who ruled a key duchy in East Francia during a period of regional consolidation.
Bořivoj II
Duke of Bohemia in the early 12th century known for his tumultuous reign marked by exile and restoration.
Grand Prince of Rostov in early 13th-century Kievan Rus' who led one of its oldest principalities.
Joan
Daughter of King John of England and first Princess of Wales as the wife of Llywelyn the Great.
King of Sweden in the early 13th century who reigned twice amid dynastic struggles.
Louis II
13th-century Duke of Bavaria who co-ruled with his brother and strengthened the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Thomas Bek
English churchman who served as Lord Chancellor and later as Bishop of Lincoln in the 14th century.
Narymunt
Lithuanian prince of the Gediminid dynasty who ruled the principality of Pinsk in the 14th century.