Trivial Facts About March

When you think about the month of March, do thoughts of St. Patrick's Day come to mind? There is a lot more to March than corned beef, parades, and green beer. There are other holidays during the month, many famous people celebrate their birthday in March, and many historic events took place during the third month of the year.

Read on to learn some trivial facts about March.

Basic Facts

March is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It was the first month of the year in ancient Rome. Since March is the first month of spring, it was a logical point to begin the year. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, it became the third month of the year. It is one of the seven months with thirty-one days.

Birthstone

The birthstones for March are the aquamarine and the bloodstone.

Aquamarine is the more well known birthstone for March. Its colors range from greenish blue to blue-green. The color of aquamarine has a calming effect and is said to cool the temper.

Bloodstone is actually a dark green jasper. Spots of iron oxide show up as vivid red spots in jasper, hence the word bloodstone. The Babylonians believed the stone had healing powers, especially for blood disorders.

Flower

The flower for the month of March is the daffodil which is also referred to as the jonquil. Since daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, they are considered to be a symbol of rebirth. They may symbolize rebirth, but beware, because daffodils are poisonous, if eaten.

Astrological Signs

Pisces and Aries are the astrological signs for March. Birthdays from March 1st through the 20th fall under the sign of Pisces. March 21st through the 31st birthdays fall under the sign of Aries.

March Holidays and Observances

The most well known holiday of the month is March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. Parades are held in many major cities in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Many people celebrate by eating a meal of corned beef and cabbage and by drinking lots of green beer.

In the northern hemisphere, the spring equinox occurs with the first day of spring falling on March 20th or 21st.

Also worth noting is that daylight savings time begins on the second Sunday in March. Don't forget to "spring forward" by setting your clocks ahead one hour.

For a list of daily observances in March go to:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/march.htm

Historic Events in March

Many major events happened during the third month of the year. Here are four historical events that took place in March.

The Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770.

Paper money was issued on March 10, 1862 in the U.S. for the first time

An act of Congress created the first United States National Park (Yellowstone) on March 1, 1872.

The Star Spangled Banner was made the United States National Anthem on March 3, 1931.

Monthly Observances

There are over two dozen monthly observances during the month of March. Some of them are listed below.

Cataract Awareness Month
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Foot Health Month
Frozen Food Month
Nutrition Month
Poison Prevention Awareness Month
Red Cross Month
Social Worker's Month
Women's History Month

To see more monthly observances in March go to:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/march.htm

Famous People Born in March

Many famous people were born in March. Here are just a few of them.

Three presidents: Grover Cleveland, Andrew Jackson, and John Tyler
Several actors and actresses: Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, and Bruce Willis
Authors/Poets: Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Frost, and Dr. Seuss
Singers/Musicians: Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Elton John, and James Taylor

You can find a complete listing of famous people born in March at: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/3

Now that you've learned a lot of trivial facts about March, share them with your family and friends. Amaze them with your knowledge!

To learn trivial facts about other months of the year CLICK HERE.

Sources:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/march.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm#March
http://www.birthflowersguide.com/march-birth-flower.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March
http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/3