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Dates & Festivals in February

These links are aimed at both primary and post-primary students. They may be of particular interest to the subjects of CSPE, Religion, History or Geography.

If we are missing a particular date or festival then let us know. Some of the links below go to our Encyclopaedia Britannica and World Book content - these are only available through the Schools Broadband Network.

	St Brigid's Day (February 1) An important feast day in Ireland. There are many spellings for her name - Brigid, Brigit, Bríd, Bridget and Bride. Do you know any one with that name? Learn how to make a St Brigid's cross. Lower Primrary could try our St Brigid's quiz.
	World Wetlands Day / Week (February 2) Highlights the importance of 'wetlands' in the world today. Wetlands include rivers, marshes, fens, bogs and estuaries. Do you live near any wetlands? Wetlands and Forests is the special theme for 2011. Encyclopaedia Britannica (school only) has a good description of wetlands. Lough Neagh and the River Bann have some notable wetlands in Ireland. Are there wetlands in your area?
	Chinese New Year (February 3) Big day for Chinese communities around the world. Unlike in Ireland where New Year is always on January 1, the Chinese new year is not fixed but depends on the moon in January or early Feburry and the celebrations last for 15 days. This coming year is the Year of the Rabit. See Encyclopaedia Britannica and World Book for more on this day.The CIA Factbook contains lots of detailed information on China.
	Safer Internet Day (February 8) Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to dedicate some time to reflect on some of the issues and more importantly to raise awareness of them. The theme this year is “Think before you post” and will focus on how we're managing images online and our privacy in digital environments.Our Primary themepage is a great place to go for online safety games
	Engineering Week (February 14-20) This is a week long programme of events around Ireland to celebrate the world of engineering in this country. The aim of the week is to create a positive awareness and spark enthusiasm about the engineering profession to people of various ages with little or no engineering background. Loads of events taking place all over the country. Encyclopaedia Britannica has a good explanation of what engineering is all about.
	St Valentine's Day (February 14) The customes associated with this day have their origins in the medieval belief that birds pair off on the 14th day of the second month. Did you know that there was a special connection between St Valentine and Dublin?
	Nirvana Day (February 15) This marks the anniversary of Buddha's death. Also known as 'Parinirvana Day', Buddhists celebrate it by meditating or by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries. As with other Buddhist festivals, celebrations vary throughout the world. Learn more about Buddhism on Britannica.
	Lithuania National Day (February 16) Ireland has St Patrick's Day but Lithuania's national holiday is Independence Day and it marks the day Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Encyclopaedia Britannica and World Book have great material on Lithuania. Try some of these Lithuanian phrases and then attempt this six-question quiz. Coming up in March
	World Maths Day (March 1) Get the children to focus on Maths. On the official website students play at home and at school against other students around the world in live games of mental arithmetic. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 100 games, earning points for their personal tally.