Welcome to March: A Month of Renewal, History, and Celebration

March, the third month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, carries a rich blend of ancient tradition, seasonal change, and meaningful observances. Long ago, on the early Roman calendar, March—then called Martius—was actually the first month of the year. It wasn’t until Julius Caesar’s calendar reform in 46 B.C. that January claimed the opening position, shifting March to third place. Even so, March has kept its 31 days and its name honoring Mars, the Roman god of war.

Today, March is best known as the month that ushers in spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, the season officially begins with the vernal equinox on March 20 or 21, when the sun stands directly above the equator. This turning point brings a mix of weather—blustery winds one day, warm sunshine the next—as winter slowly loosens its grip.

Nature responds quickly to the change. Sap begins to rise in the trees, buds swell, and the earliest wildflowers peek through the forest floor. Frogs lay their eggs, hibernating animals emerge from their winter dens, and flocks of geese and ducks return northward. Many people look for the first robin as a cheerful sign that spring has truly arrived.

March also carries a variety of state, cultural, and religious celebrations. Though it has no national holiday in the United States, several states mark important anniversaries this month, and communities around the world observe meaningful traditions—from St. Patrick’s Day to the Jewish festival of Purim. These special days offer opportunities to remember history, celebrate heritage, and enjoy the unfolding beauty of the season.

Popular sayings reflect March’s unpredictable nature—“in like a lion, out like a lamb”—and its reputation for both storminess and renewal. Its symbols, the violet and the birthstones aquamarine and bloodstone, echo the month’s themes of hope, strength, and new beginnings.

March invites us into a season of awakening. As the world brightens and blossoms, so do the celebrations that fill this lively month.