March (Month)

Historical & Cultural Significance

March was named after Mars, the Roman god of war, because this was traditionally when armies would resume their battles after winter.

March was actually the first month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar until 153 BCE.

March marks the beginning of the spring festival season in many ancient cultures around the world.

March was known as “Hlyd monath” (loud month) in Anglo-Saxon times because of its strong winds.

March brings the celebration of Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, marking the victory of good over evil.

March hosts St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th, originally a religious feast day that has become a global celebration of Irish culture.

March was the time when ancient Romans would perform elaborate ceremonies to honor their god Mars.

March contains the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8th, recognizing women’s achievements worldwide.

March includes the celebration of Purim, a joyous Jewish holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people.

March marks the beginning of maple syrup harvesting season in North America, a tradition dating back to Native American practices.

March sees the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marking the exact moment of the spring equinox.

March historically marked the resumption of sailing season in ancient Mediterranean cultures.

March contains Pi Day on the 14th (3.14), celebrating both mathematics and the circular treat.

March was considered a sacred month to the goddess Minerva in ancient Rome.

March brings the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation in Christian traditions on March 25th.

Natural World & Weather

March signals the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere as temperatures start to rise.

March is when many birds begin their northward migration in the Northern Hemisphere.

March typically brings increased rainfall in many regions, leading to the saying “March comes in like a lion.”

March sees the first spring flowers, like daffodils and crocuses, beginning to bloom.

March witnesses the awakening of many animals from winter hibernation, including bears and groundhogs.

March marks the time when many tree species start producing new buds.

March brings stronger winds than any other month in many parts of the world.

March sees the return of many insect species, including butterflies and bees.

March is when farmers traditionally begin planting early spring crops in temperate regions.

March experiences rapidly changing weather patterns, leading to the phrase “mad as a March hare.”

March brings increasing daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere as spring approaches.

March sees the beginning of tornado season in parts of North America.

March marks the start of cherry blossom season in many parts of Japan.

March witnesses the annual migration of millions of monarch butterflies.

March brings the first thunderstorms of the season in many regions.

Modern Celebrations & Observances

March is National Women’s History Month in the United States.

March contains Read Across America Day, celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd.

March includes World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, promoting awareness of wild animals and plants.

March celebrates World Water Day on March 22nd, highlighting the importance of clean water.

March hosts World Theater Day on March 27th, celebrating live performances worldwide.

March contains International Day of Happiness on March 20th, promoting global well-being.

March includes World Sleep Day, raising awareness about the importance of healthy sleep.

March celebrates World Poetry Day on March 21st, honoring poets and poetry worldwide.

March contains Earth Hour, when millions of people turn off their lights for one hour.

March hosts National Nutrition Month in many countries, promoting healthy eating habits.

March includes World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, raising global awareness.

March celebrates International Forest Day on March 21st, highlighting forest conservation.

March contains World Meteorological Day on March 23rd, recognizing weather science.

March hosts Brain Awareness Week, promoting neuroscience education.

March includes World Storytelling Day, celebrating the art of oral storytelling.

Astronomical & Calendar Features

March contains the spring (vernal) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, usually on March 20th or 21st.

March begins with the sun in the constellation Pisces and ends in Aries.

March sees day and night becoming equal in length during the equinox.

March typically contains the first full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

March marks the beginning of the zodiac year with the sign of Aries starting March 21st.