How Many Days Until March?
March 2026 begins on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
About March
March is the third month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and has 31 days. It was originally the first month of the Roman calendar and named after Mars, the Roman god of war, as this was the time when military campaigns would resume after winter.
March: Between Winter and Spring
Origin of the Month
The name "March" comes from the Roman god of war, Mars. In ancient Rome, March (Martius) was the first month of the calendar year and marked the beginning of the season for warfare and agricultural work.
Seasonal Significance
In the Northern Hemisphere, March marks the beginning of spring with the vernal equinox around March 20th. In the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the beginning of autumn with the autumnal equinox.
Weather & Transition
March is known for its unpredictable weather with the popular saying "comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb" referring to the month's tendency to begin with harsh, winter-like weather and end with milder conditions.
Historical Significance
The Ides of March (March 15) is famous for being the date of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE. This date was a major turning point in Roman history and was immortalized in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar."
March Symbols
Birthstone
Aquamarine, symbolizing courage, honesty, and loyalty. Bloodstone is an alternative birthstone for March.
Astrological Signs
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) and Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Flowers
Daffodil, representing rebirth and new beginnings, and Jonquil, symbolizing desire, affection, and respect.
The Spring Equinox
The Spring (or Vernal) Equinox typically occurs on March 19, 20, or 21 each year. This astronomical event marks the:
- Equal Day and Night: Near-equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the world.
- Start of Spring: Officially begins the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Astronomical Significance: The moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward.
- Cultural Importance: Many cultures celebrate the equinox with spring festivals and rituals marking renewal.
After the spring equinox, daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere continue to increase until the Summer Solstice in June.
March Holidays & Observances
International Women's Day
A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Pi Day
Mathematical celebration commemorating the constant Ο (pi), as 3/14 represents the first three digits (3.14).
St. Patrick's Day
Irish cultural and religious celebration honoring Saint Patrick, featuring parades, festivals, and wearing green.
Spring Equinox
Astronomical event marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere with equal day and night.
Holi
Hindu spring festival known as the "festival of colors" or "festival of love," celebrated on the full moon day in March.
Purim
Jewish holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, celebrated with costumes and festive meals.
March Month-Long Observances
Women's History Month
Annual declared month highlighting contributions of women to events in history and society.
Irish-American Heritage Month
Designated to honor the contributions Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to American society.
National Nutrition Month
Annual campaign focused on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits.
National Reading Month
Initiative to motivate children and adults to read every day and build reading habits.
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green.
Traditional Celebrations
Food & Drink
Corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, shepherd's pie, and green beer are popular celebratory items.
Wearing Green
People wear green clothing or accessories to avoid getting pinchedβa playful tradition based on the belief that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns.
Parades
Cities with large Irish populations hold parades featuring marching bands, cultural organizations, and elaborate floats.
Music & Dance
Traditional Irish music and step dancing performances are common during St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Symbols of St. Patrick's Day
The shamrock was used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish.
The leprechaun, a type of fairy in Irish folklore, became associated with the holiday through American popularization.
The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is said to be hidden by leprechauns.
St. Patrick is said to have driven snakes from Ireland, though this is likely metaphorical for pagan beliefs.
March Activities & Traditions
Garden Preparation
- Start seeds indoors for spring planting
- Prune fruit trees and shrubs
- Clear garden beds and add compost
- Plant early spring crops like peas and spinach
- Check and repair garden tools
St. Patrick's Day Fun
- Prepare traditional Irish recipes
- Attend or watch local parades
- Host a green-themed party
- Create shamrock crafts with children
- Learn about Irish history and culture
Spring Celebrations
- Visit botanical gardens for early blooms
- Host a spring equinox celebration
- Clean and refresh your home and yard
- Fly kites in March winds
- Look for signs of wildlife returning after winter
National Reading Month
- Start a new book or reading challenge
- Join a book club or reading discussion group
- Visit your local library or bookstore
- Read aloud to children or volunteer at schools
- Exchange books with friends for fresh reading material
Interesting March Facts
In old Roman calendars, March was the first month of the year, and the new year was celebrated on March 1 until as late as 153 BCE.
The saying "Mad as a March hare" refers to the wild behavior of male hares during mating season in March, when they box each other and leap into the air.
March is the only month with a command as its name - "March!" - which makes sense given its association with the Roman god of war.
March was a notable month in US history: The Stamp Act was imposed on American colonies in March 1765, the first US Constitution was declared effective in March 1789, and the first successful long-distance telephone call was made in March 1876.
March: The Transition Month
March embodies the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere, with many changes occurring both in nature and in human activities:
In Nature
- Trees begin to bud and early flowers emerge
- Migratory birds return from their winter grounds
- Hibernating animals become active again
- Daylight hours noticeably increase
- Snow begins to melt and rivers rise
In Agriculture
- Spring planting preparations begin
- Maple syrup production peaks in northern regions
- Some early crops are planted
- Livestock births increase, particularly lambs
- Pruning and field preparation intensify
In Human Activities
- Spring sports seasons begin
- Spring cleaning becomes popular
- Outdoor activities increase
- Spring fashion appears in stores
- Travel plans for spring and summer take shape