Februa

Februa, also Februatio was the Roman festival of purification, also commonly referred to as Lupercalia (see for more complete information on the holiday). The festival, which is basically one of Spring washing or cleaning (associated also with the raininess of this time of year) is old, and possibly of Sabine origin. According to Ovid, "Februare" as a Latin word which refers to means of purification (particularly with washing or water) derives from an earlier Etruscan word referring to purging [http://www.witchology.com/contents/february/calendar.php] .

The Roman month Februarius ("of Februa," whence the English February) is named for the Februa/Februatio festival, which occurred on the 15th day of the Roman month. A later Roman god Februus personified both the month and also purification, and is named for them. Thus, the month is named for the festival and not for the god.

Some sources connect the Latin word for fever ("febris") with the same idea of purification or purging, due to the sweating commonly seen in association with fevers.

References

[http://www.crowl.org/Lawrence/time/months.html]