50 Interesting Facts About March: Spring’s Arrival
Discover the fascinating world of March with these intriguing fun facts. As winter fades and spring emerges, March brings a unique blend of history, traditions, and natural wonders.
From ancient Roman calendars to modern celebrations, this month is packed with surprises. So, what makes March so special? Let’s dive in and explore!
March At-a-Glance
When: Third month of the Gregorian calendar
Days: 31
Birthstone: Aquamarine
Flower: Daffodil and Jonquil
Zodiac Signs: Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20), Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Season: Spring in Northern Hemisphere, Autumn in Southern Hemisphere
Notable Holidays:
- St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17)
- International Women’s Day (Mar 8)
Historical Significance of March
March has played a crucial role in shaping calendars and marking important historical events throughout the ages. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about its origins and historical importance.
- March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar.
- The month is named after Mars, the Roman god of war.
- In Old English, March was called “Hlyd monath” meaning “Stormy month.”
- The Ides of March (March 15) was famously the date of Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE.
- The first United States Postage stamps were issued on March 3, 1847.
Natural Phenomena and Weather in March
March marks the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing about various natural changes and weather patterns. Here are some interesting facts about March’s natural phenomena.
- The Spring Equinox typically occurs on March 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.
- March is known for its unpredictable weather, giving rise to the saying “In like a lion, out like a lamb.”
- The Northern Lights are often more visible around the Spring Equinox due to geomagnetic activity.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, March marks the beginning of autumn.
- The full moon in March is traditionally called the “Worm Moon” by some Native American tribes.
Suggested Read: 25 Fun Facts About Spring: The Season of Renewal
Cultural Celebrations and Traditions
March is home to numerous cultural celebrations and traditions observed around the world. From religious observances to national holidays, here are some notable events that take place during this month.
- International Women’s Day is observed globally on March 8.
- St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, honoring the patron saint of Ireland.
- In Japan, Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Day or Girls’ Day) is celebrated on March 3.
- The Hindu festival of colors, Holi, often falls in March.
- March 14 is celebrated as Pi Day (3.14) by math enthusiasts worldwide.
March in Literature and Pop Culture
March has inspired writers, artists, and creators throughout history. Here are some interesting facts about how March has been portrayed in literature and popular culture.
- “Beware the Ides of March” is a famous phrase from Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar.”
- The famous opening line of Emily Dickinson’s poem ‘Dear March – Come in -‘ personifies March as a welcomed guest, celebrating the arrival of spring.
- The March Hare character in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was inspired by the English idiom ‘mad as a March hare,’ referring to hares’ erratic behavior during mating season.
- On March 2, 1933, the original “King Kong” premiered at Radio City Music Hall and the Roxy Theater in New York City.
- The March sisters from “Little Women” were named after their birth month of March.
Famous March Birthdays
March has been the birth month of many notable figures throughout history. From scientists to artists, here are some famous personalities born in this month.
- Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist, was born on March 14, 1879.
- Vincent van Gogh, the post-impressionist painter, was born on March 30, 1853.
- Dr. Seuss, the beloved children’s author, was born on March 2, 1904.
- Michelangelo, the Italian Renaissance artist, was born on March 6, 1475.
- Johann Sebastian Bach, the famous composer, was born on March 21, 1685.
Suggested Read:
March in Sports
March is an exciting month for sports enthusiasts, with several major events and tournaments taking place. Here are some interesting facts about sports in March.
- March Madness, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, typically begins in mid-March.
- The NFL’s new league year usually starts in March, marking the beginning of free agency.
- The World Indoor Athletics Championships are often held in March.
- The Formula 1 season traditionally began in March with the Australian Grand Prix until 2019. Recent seasons have varied this pattern.
- The Six Nations Rugby Championship, featuring teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, concludes in March.
March in Nature
As spring begins to unfold in the Northern Hemisphere, March brings about many changes in the natural world. Here are some fascinating facts about nature in March.
- Many migratory birds begin their return journeys to northern breeding grounds in March.
- The first butterflies of the year, such as Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells, often emerge in March.
- March marks the beginning of 24-hour daylight in parts of the Arctic Circle.
- Cherry blossoms typically start blooming in Japan in late March, signaling the start of spring.
- The sap starts flowing in maple trees in March, marking the beginning of maple syrup season in North America.
March Superstitions and Folklore
Like many months, March has its share of superstitions and folklore. Here are some interesting beliefs and sayings associated with this month.
- An old weather proverb states, “A dry March and a wet May fill barns and bays with corn and hay.”
- In Roman times, it was considered bad luck to marry in March.
- According to folklore, if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb, and vice versa.
- Some believe that the number of foggy mornings in March indicates the number of rainy days in June.
- In some cultures, it’s believed that thunder in March signifies a fruitful year ahead.
March in Science and Technology
March has been witness to several significant scientific and technological advancements throughout history. Here are some noteworthy events that occurred in this month.
- The World Wide Web was born on March 12, 1989, when Tim Berners-Lee submitted his proposal for an information management system.
- Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone on March 7, 1876.
- The first successful powered airplane flight over the North Pole was completed on March 6, 1926.
- Albert Einstein published his paper on the photoelectric effect in March 1905, which later earned him the Nobel Prize.
- The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed on March 7, 2002.
Unique March Observances
March is home to several quirky and lesser-known observances. Here are some unique celebrations that take place during this month.
- March 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day in the United States.
- The second week of March is celebrated as National Bubble Week.
- March 14 is also celebrated as National Potato Chip Day in the US.
- The third Thursday of March is World Sleep Day, promoting the importance of healthy sleep.
- March 31 is World Backup Day, reminding people to back up their digital data.
March Day-by-Day: Historical Facts and Events:
- 27 Fun Facts About March 1: Events on This Day
- 25 Interesting Facts About March 2: A Day in History
- 21 Fun Facts About March 3: This Day in History
- 32 Fun Facts About March 4: Happened on This Day
- 24 Facts About March 5: What Happened This Day
- 22 Facts About March 6: This Day in History
- 24 Interesting Facts About March 7: On This Day
- 22 Fascinating Facts About March 8: Events On This Day
- 21 Fun Facts About March 9: A Day in History
- 20 Interesting Facts About March 10: This Day in History
- 26 Interesting Facts About March 11: This Day in History
- 29 Interesting Facts About March 12: On This Day
- 25 Facts About March 13: What Happened This Day
- 21 Interesting Facts About March 14: This Day in History
- 23 Fascinating Facts About March 15: Historical Milestones
- 23 Interesting Facts About March 16: Events On This Day
- 29 Fascinating Facts About March 17: This Day in History
- 28 Facts About March 18: What Happened This Day
- 28 Interesting Facts About March 19: Historical Milestones
- 27 Fascinating Facts About March 20: Events on This Day
- 21 Remarkable Facts About March 21: This Day in History
- 23 Captivating Facts About March 22: On This Day
- 22 Facts About March 23: What Happened This Day
- 20 Compelling Facts About March 24: This Day in History
- 26 Interesting Facts About March 25: Notable Events
- 30 Riveting Facts About March 26: On This Day
- 22 Noteworthy Facts About March 27: A Day in History