March loosens winter's grip. Thirty-one days, named for Mars, the Roman god of war. It was the first month in the early Roman year. For 2027, lock in two dates now: St. Patrick's Day on March 17 and Easter Sunday on March 28. The month packs in a name origin, birthstones, a flower, and a cluster of key dates worth marking.
Name Origin and Early Calendar
The name March comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. In the early Roman calendar, March opened the year, the moment military campaigns resumed after winter. That martial name stuck, even though the month now sits third in the Gregorian system.
Because March once started the year, ancient festivals tied themselves to new beginnings. The modern calendar no longer begins here, but the month still feels like a turning point, especially with spring arriving in the Northern Hemisphere.
Birthstones and Birth Flower
Born in March? Your birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is blue or teal. Bloodstone is dark green with red speckles. Both are said to bring courage and calm, though the beliefs vary by culture.
The March birth flower is the daffodil, also known as the jonquil. Daffodils bloom among the first of spring, and they symbolize renewal and hope. For a March birthday, a daffodil is the fitting choice.
Key Holidays and Observances
St. Patrick's Day and the March Equinox
March is packed. St. Patrick's Day on March 17 dominates, a celebration of Irish culture with parades, wearing green, and traditional food. Then comes the March equinox, which falls on March 20 in both 2026 and 2027 (UTC). Day and night stand nearly equal. For the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins.
Easter in March
In 2027, Easter Sunday lands on March 28, with Good Friday on March 26. Easter is a moveable feast, its date shifting each year with the lunar cycle. When Easter falls in March, the month carries extra weight for many families. Lent, Palm Sunday, and Holy Week all unfold within its 31 days.
Women's History Month
March is also Women's History Month in the United States, a time to recognize the contributions of women throughout history and in contemporary life. This observance adds a layer of reflection and education to the month.
Daylight Saving Time in March
In the United States, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday of March. For 2026, that is March 8. For 2027, it is March 14. Clocks spring forward by one hour. You lose an hour of sleep and gain evening daylight.
Adjust your clock before bed on Saturday night. The time change disrupts early morning schedules, so plan around it. A small practical detail, but one that trips people up every year.
Planning Your March Calendar
With so many dates, March rewards a little planning. Do these five things:
- Mark the equinox on March 20 or 21, depending on your time zone, to note the start of spring.
- Circle the second Sunday for daylight saving time, and set a reminder to change your clocks.
- Note St. Patrick's Day on March 17 if you plan to attend parades or gatherings.
- If Easter falls in March, as it does in 2027, add Good Friday and Easter Sunday to your calendar.
- Consider how Women's History Month might affect school projects, workplace events, or community activities.
Thirty-one days gives you room to schedule obligations and celebrations. Use a printable calendar to see the month at a glance and avoid missing important dates.
Seasonal Transitions and Observances
Weather and the Equinox
March is transition. In the Northern Hemisphere, the weather shifts from cold to milder. The equinox marks the astronomical start of spring. Pay attention to the equinox date. It influences everything from gardening plans to outdoor events.
Religious Calendars
For those who follow religious calendars, March can be a time of fasting, reflection, or celebration, depending on the year. Lent often begins in February or March, and Easter follows about 40 days later. When Easter lands in March, as it does in 2027, many Christian observances occur entirely within the month.
Why March Matters for Calendar Planning
March is more than a bridge between winter and spring. It carries a rich set of holidays, a distinct identity, and practical considerations like daylight saving time. Knowing what March is known for, from its Roman origins to its modern observances, helps you plan ahead.
A complete guide to March covers the month that turns the year. Lock in the key dates and meanings. Use your calendar to stay organized and make the most of every day.