Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
⚛️

March

physical science Maturity 9-11 mythology Next article →

This article covers sensitive topics: mythology. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

March is the third month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It consists of 31 days. This month is a major turning point for the seasons on Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, March marks the meteorological beginning of spring. This transition is driven by the March equinox. This astronomical event occurs on March 20 or 21. During the equinox, the sun hits the Earth in a way that balances day and night. In the Northern Hemisphere, this starts spring. In the Southern Hemisphere, this same event marks the beginning of autumn.

Daffodil
Daffodil

The changing seasons in March are linked to specific parts of the world. In the North, spring affects North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. In the South, autumn begins in South America, Oceania, and parts of Africa. This seasonal shift is also reflected in global climate trends. Recent decades show a significant change in temperature patterns. The number of warm temperature records in March is outpacing cold temperature records. This warming trend is occurring across a growing portion of the Earth's surface.

03 March - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA
03 March - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA

March has a deep history rooted in ancient Rome. The name comes from Martius, the first month of the earliest Roman calendar. It was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. Mars was also considered an ancestor of the Roman people. This connection came through his sons, Romulus and Remus. In the Roman era, Martius was the season for warfare. Many religious festivals were held during this month to honor Mars. Some of these observances in the first half of the month were originally New Year celebrations.

Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry mars
Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry mars

The Romans held many specific festivals throughout the month. These included Agonium Martiale on March 1, 14, and 17. Other celebrations were Matronalia on March 1 and Junonalia on March 7. The Equirria and Mamuralia were held around March 14. Hilaria took place from March 15 through March 28. Other notable dates included the Argei on March 16 and 17. Liberalia and Bacchanalia occurred on March 17. The month also featured Quinquatria from March 19 to 23 and Tubilustrium on March 23. These dates do not match our modern Gregorian calendar.

Different cultures have given March many unique names. In Finland, the month is called maaliskuu. This likely comes from maallinen kuu, meaning "earthy month." This name may refer to the earth appearing from under the snow. In Ukraine, the name berezen means birch tree. The Czech language uses the name březen. In Slovenia, the traditional name is sušec. This means the month when the earth is dry enough to cultivate. In Croatia, the month is known as Ožujak. The Turkish name, Mart, also honors the god Mars.

Bloodstone gems stone
Bloodstone gems stone

March has also served as the start of the year for many groups. In Russia, March 1 began the numbered year until the end of the 15th century. Great Britain and its colonies used March 25 as the start of the year. They eventually adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752. Today, many cultures still celebrate their New Year in March. For example, Iran and Ethiopia observe their New Year during this month. This shows how March remains a symbol of new beginnings in many systems.

There are many symbols used to represent the month. The birth flower of March is the daffodil.

Daffodil
Daffodil

The birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone. These stones are often used to symbolize courage.

5 Brazilian aquamarine
5 Brazilian aquamarine

People also look to the zodiac for meaning. The sign of Pisces lasts until approximately March 20. The sign of Aries begins around March 21. These symbols connect the month to both nature and human character.

597 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry mars.jpg
Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry mars.jpg
File:03 March - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA.svg
03 March - Percent of global area at...
File:Daffodil.jpg
Daffodil.jpg
File:5 Brazilian aquamarine.JPG
5 Brazilian aquamarine.JPG
File:Bloodstone gems stone.jpg
Bloodstone gems stone.jpg
More to explore

✨ What else?

Related topics you might enjoy

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.