March is the third month of the year and has 31 days. It is a month of change, signaling the end of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The season of fall is just starting to make its debut in the Southern Hemisphere.
The month of March is a time for fresh starts, renewal, and overall rejuvenation. It is time to shake off the blues of winter and welcome the warmer weather, longer days, and blossoming nature that spring has to offer.
March is also known for several holidays and observances, including:
- St. Patrick’s Day
- International Women’s Day
- March Madness in the United States.
Moreover, Pisces and Aries are the zodiac signs that are connected to the month of March, and the gorgeous blue-green aquamarine is the birthstone for people who were born in the month of March.
March, as a whole, is a month that brings with it optimism, growth, and new prospects.
March Facts
1. March is the third month in the Gregorian Calendar.
The Gregorian calendar, which is the civil calendar that is used the most everywhere in the world, has March as the third month of the year.
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It comes after the month of February and comes before April. Together with January, May, July, August, October, and December, March is one of the seven months in the Gregorian calendar that has 31 days. The other six months are: July, August, October, and December.
The duration of the month is determined by the length of the month of March in the ancient Roman calendar, which similarly had 31 days.
2. March gets its name from the Latin word “Martius”
The month of March gets its name from the Latin word “Martius,” which in turn gets its name from Mars, the Roman god of war.
Mars, who was also regarded to be the god of agriculture and fertility, was honored with the month of March in the ancient Roman calendar. March was the first month of the year and was named after him.
Also Read: February Facts
This month marked the beginning of the military campaign season, and throughout it, numerous celebrations and religious observances were held in honor of the deity Mars.
Even when the Roman calendar was changed and other cultures adopted it, the name March was kept for the month and it continued to be connected with the beginning of spring and the regeneration of nature. This association persisted even after the Roman calendar was adopted by other cultures.
3. The equinox, which happens around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere
The Northern Hemisphere, which includes North America, Europe, Asia, and the majority of Africa, begins spring in March.
The equinox, which happens around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the formal start of spring, occurs when the sun is directly over the equator and day and night are nearly equal in length.
March heralds the start of fall in the Southern Hemisphere, which encompasses South America, Australia, and portions of Africa.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the equinox comes around September 20th or 21st, signaling the official start of autumn.
4. St. Patrick’s Day is on the March 17th
St. Patrick’s Day is an annual holiday observed on March 17th. It is a cultural and religious holiday commemorating St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.
St. Patrick is credited with introducing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century and is associated with several tales and customs.
St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular celebration in many nations across the world, particularly in the United States, where people dress in green, go to parades, and eat and drink Irish food and drink.
The event is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, and it is a time for people to gather and celebrate Ireland’s traditions and customs.
5. National Women’s History Month is in March
In the United States, March is National Women’s History Month. It is a month-long celebration honoring and commemorating the accomplishments and achievements of women throughout history.
The commemoration began in 1978 as a local event in Santa Rosa, California, and expanded to become a nationwide event in 1981, when Congress enacted a resolution creating Women’s History Week.
The week was extended to a month-long celebration in 1987. National Women’s History Month is an occasion to recognize women’s contributions to society in various fields, including science, politics, literature, athletics, and the arts.
It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing fight for gender equality and to motivate future generations of women to reach their full potential.
6. The Ides of March is the 15th of March
The Ides of March is the 15th of March in the old Roman calendar. The Ides of March was a religious observance in ancient Rome that marked the midway point of the month and was related with the full moon.
Nonetheless, the day is today most recognized for its link with Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC. According to legend, Caesar was stabbed to death by a group of senators who were dissatisfied with his expanding power and feared that he would establish a monarchy.
The incident was a watershed moment in Roman history, ushering in a period of political unrest and civil war. The saying “Beware the Ides of March” is frequently used to warn of impending peril or disaster.
7. The month of March Madness
March Madness is a common phrase for the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments held by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in March and April.
The tournaments are one of the most important events in collegiate sports in the United States, attracting millions of fans from all over the world.
The men’s tournament is known as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, while the women’s tournament is known as the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The competitions are notorious for being unpredictable, with upsets and underdog stories frequently making headlines.
The Final Four rounds of the tournaments are played in late March or early April, with the championship games choosing the victors of each event.
8. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. It is a blue-green gemstone that is typically connected with the ocean and is supposed to represent youth, health, and hope.
Aquamarine is a mineral that belongs to the beryl family, which also contains emerald and morganite. The gemstone is prized for its stunning blue-green color, which ranges from mild sky blue to deep blue-green.
Aquamarine may be found all over the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Pakistan, and it has been used for thousands of years in jewelry and other ornamental products.
Aquamarine, in addition to its beauty, is thought to have healing capabilities and is considered to encourage calmness, courage, and mental clarity.
9. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins in March
Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins in many regions of the world, including the United States and Europe, in March. DST is the summertime practice of advancing the clock by one hour to increase the amount of daylight in the evenings.
DST begins on the second Sunday in March and finishes on the first Sunday in November in the United States. The beginning of DST is frequently regarded as a sign of the arrival of spring, and many people modify their clocks and schedules to take advantage of the longer days.
DST, on the other hand, is contentious and has been the topic of controversy and research over the years, with some claiming that it interrupts people’s sleep habits and causes other health concerns.
10. March is often associated with strong winds
March is generally linked with high winds, and the old proverb “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” describes the month’s weather patterns.
The saying implies that the beginning of March is frequently marked by harsh, cold, and stormy weather, akin to a lion’s roar. The weather becomes increasingly soft and pleasant as the month continues, much like a gentle lamb.
This proverb has been around for a long time, and while it is not necessarily accurate, it captures the idea that March is a month of transition and change, with a mix of winter and spring weather patterns.