Purification

“ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.’’

February is a month associated with purification. The Roman god Februus was the god of purification, and many festivals and rituals were held in his honor, most notably the Februalia, a month-long festival of atonement and purification that was held in Winter, but intended to be a type of Spring cleaning that would herald in the Spring season and its gift of fertility. February is a good time to make atonement for our sins and make offerings to the gods or God, however you conceive of Him or Her.

The Romans used spelt and salt in their purification rituals. The ancient Israelites used the hyssop plant. February is also a good time to “clean out the old” and make room for the new. Winter is long and it’s not over yet, but Spring is coming, so be of good cheer.

–Christopher Simon