March

March is the third month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendar. It was originally the first month of the year in the Roman calendar and named Martius.

Naming March - Mars’ Month

March is the third month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and consists of 31 days.  It was named after the Roman god of war, Mars.

• Middle English - March or Marche
• Latin name - Martius mensis - Month of Mars
• Old English - Martius

History of March

March was originally the first month of the year in the Roman calendar because of its association with the first day of spring. The vernal or March equinox falls during this month between the 19th and 21st. March also marked a time when war would resume after the long winter months.

January became the first month of the calendar year around 700 BCE. Although January 1st is New Year’s Day, many cultures and religions still celebrate the beginning of the New Year in March.

Position in the Year

March is the third month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendar that consists of 31 days. It was the first month of the year in the 10-month Roman calendar. It is considered the seasonal equivalent of September in the Northern Hemisphere.

March starts on the same day of the week as February and November and ends on the same day of the week as June in common years.

Symbols

March’s birth flower is the daffodil.

The birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone which symbolize courage.