Let’s March in With Some Fun Facts

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Obviously, this stems from the weather, but some people who came before us believed there should be a balance between weather and life. If the weather at the start of March was bad (roaring, like a roaring lion), the month should end with good weather (gentle, 

like a lamb).

March is the third month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, named after Mars, the Roman god of war. It’s the first month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (March 19 this year) and the first month of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (March 20^th this year).

Why should we beware of the Ides of March? 

Ides refers to the first full moon of a given month, usually between the 13th and 15th. It once signified celebrations and rejoicing, but somehow, between then and now, it became a bad omen that could have begun with Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. Within it is a warning given to Caesar about March 15, the day he would be assassinated. So, although it was a threat to Caesar, there really isn’t too much for us to worry about.

Let’s celebrate!

St. Patrick’s Day is a big day for the Irish and all who choose to join them in celebration.  The March 17^th observance began in 1631 when the Church established a Feast Day honoring St. Patrick, who had been Patron Saint of Ireland. Note that The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. Paul is on Saturday, March 16^th this year!

Other notable things about March

1. It’s Women’s History Month in the United States, a day we remember the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne who charted the course for Our Lady of Peace in 1941. 
2. March is National Nutrition Month in the United States, so cut up some extra veggies and fruit and ensure you get enough protein. 
3. March is known for March Madness, the time to join a bracket and place bets on your favorite basketball teams. According to USA Today, unproductive workers distracted by their brackets cost employers billions annually.
4. March’s birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone. These stones symbolize courage. And daffodils have been designated as March’s birth flower.
5. March is the time of year when animals start waking up from hibernation, so be aware if you’re walking in the woods. 
6. March 14th is celebrated as “International Pi Day,” which is also honors Albert Einstein’s birthday. Enjoy a piece of pie on this day!
7. Daylight savings time begins on March 10^th, so remember to “spring ahead.”

Happy March Everyone!