How on earth did February ever get only 28 days when there are several months around with 31 days? Couldn't a day be taken off January and March for example to even things out a bit?

skysmom65

Why does February have only 28 days? January and February both date from about the time of Rome's founding. They were added to a calendar that had been divided into ten month-like periods whose lengths varied from 20 to 35 or more days. A winter season was not included, so those period lengths are believed to have been intended to reflect growth stages of crops and cattle. When introduced, January was given 29 days and put at the beginning of the calendar year. February was given 23 days and put at the end. Then, for an undetermined period shortly after Rome's founding, months were said to have begun when a new moon was first sighted. At some later time, month lengths were separated from lunations and again became fixed. At that time, February's original length was extended by five days which gave it a total of 28. http://webexhibits.org/calendars/year-history.html#Anchor-39778 Jan 08 07, 8:56 AM

star_gazer

Its also the least popular month, so people don't have to experience it for very long. Jan 08 07, 12:11 PM

lanfranco

Well, that's more or less the theory offered in this site: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_160.html Jan 08 07, 12:14 PM