March is the third month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian
months with the length of 31 days. See also Months in various calendars
March begins (astrologically, non-sidereal) with the sun in the sign of Pisces and ends
in the sign of Aries. Astronomically speaking, the sun begins in the constellation of
Aquarius and ends in the constellation of Pisces.
In ancient Rome, March was called Martius, so named after Mars, the Roman god of war.
March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar before the winter months of
January and February were added about 700 BC by King Numa Pompilius. It ceased to be the
first month of the calendar year (the year when displayed as twelve months) about 450 BC
during the time of the decemvirs, when January assumed that position. Roman consuls
entered office in March between 222 BC and 153 BC, hence Roman events dated via the
consular year began in March during that period. 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, the same year they finally adopted the Gregorian calendar.
In Finnish, the month is called maaliskuu, which originates from maallinen kuu meaning
earthy month. This is because in maaliskuu earth started to show from under the snow.
Historical names for March include the Saxon term Lenctmonat, named for the equinox and
eventual lengthening of days and the eventual namesake of Lent. The Saxons also called
March Rhed-monat (for their goddess Rhedam); ancient Britons called it hyld-monath
(meaning loud or stormy).
