March is the third month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, and one of
the seven months which are 31 days long.
March in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of September in
the Northern Hemisphere.
The name of March comes from ancient Rome, when March was the first month of
the year and named Martius after Mars, the Roman god of war. In Rome, where
the climate is Mediterranean, March is the first month of spring, a logical
point for the beginning of the year as well as the start of the military
campaign season. The numbered year began on March 1 in Russia until the end
of the fifteenth century. Great Britain and her colonies continued to use
March 25 until 1752, which was when they ultimately adopted the Gregorian
calendar. Many other cultures and religions still celebrate the beginning of
the New Year in March.
In Finnish, the month is called maaliskuu, which originates from maallinen
kuu, meaning earthy month, because during maaliskuu, earth finally became
visible under the snow. Historical names for March include the Saxon
Lentmonat, named after the equinox and gradual lengthening of days, and the
eventual namesake of Lent. Saxons also called March Rhed-monat or
Hreth-monath (deriving from their goddess Rhedam/Hreth), and Angles called
it Hyld-monath. |
Nightbird 
CRACKER 