March stands as the third month of the year in the modern Gregorian calendar. Spanning thirty-one days, it marks the meteorological transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
People often ask what number month March is when planning seasonal schedules, fiscal timelines, or historical timelines. Because modern calendars start with January as month one and February as month two, March naturally occupies the third position. Understanding its numerical placement helps make sense of historical dating systems, astronomical markers, and cultural traditions that have shaped timekeeping for millennia.
Historical Origins of March and Its Numerical Shift
Long before the modern calendar standardized January as the beginning of the year, the ancient Roman calendar started its cycle in March, known in Latin as Martius. Dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war and agriculture, the month marked the time when military campaigns and farming seasons resumed after winter.
In the earliest Roman calendar attributed to Romulus, March was the first month of a ten-month year, which left the cold winter period uncounted. Under this old system, September, October, November, and December were literally the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth months—roots reflected in their very names.
The Shift to January and February
Roman reformers eventually added January and February to the beginning of the year around 713 BCE, shifting March into the third position. However, ancient legal, fiscal, and religious traditions retained March as the start of the new year for centuries.
Great Britain and its colonies maintained March 25th, known as Lady Day, as the official start of the new year until 1752. This historical quirk explains why tax years in the United Kingdom still start on April 6th—the old equivalent of March 25th adjusted for the Gregorian calendar reform. You can read more about historical calendar shifts through resources provided by the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Astronomical and Seasonal Markers
The numerical position of March aligns closely with significant astronomical events. The vernal equinox, occurring around March 20th or 21st, marks the precise moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator. On this day, daylight and darkness are approximately equal across the globe.
Northern Versus Southern Hemispheres
The seasonal experience of March depends entirely on geographic location:
- Northern Hemisphere: Trees begin to bud, snow melts, and daylight hours noticeably lengthen as winter yields to spring.
- Southern Hemisphere: Temperatures begin to cool, leaves change color, and agriculture shifts toward harvest preparations as autumn arrives.
These seasonal turning points explain why ancient cultures viewed the third month as a period of awakening and renewal. Astronomical tracking data from organizations like NASA Science details how equinoxes govern Earth's seasonal cycles.
Cultural Symbolism and Name Associations
Beyond its numerical standing, March carries rich symbolic meanings rooted in agriculture, folklore, and mythology. As the third month, it represents a bridge between dormancy and active growth.
Agricultural Readiness
Farmers historically used March to prepare soil, tend livestock, and plant early crops. The traditional proverb "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" captures the volatile weather patterns typical of this transitional month, moving from winter storms to calmer spring breezes.
Birthstones and Flowers
Tradition associates March with specific cultural symbols:
- Birthstones: Aquamarine and bloodstone, representing youth, health, and courage.
- Birth Flowers: Daffodil, symbolizing rebirth, new beginnings, and prosperity.
Common Mistakes in Calendar Math
When calculating dates or elapsed time, people frequently miscalculate the duration of months around March.
- Assuming February and March have equal lengths creates scheduling errors when dealing with leap years, where February gains an extra day while March remains fixed at thirty-one days.
- Confusing the historical start of the year with the modern Gregorian calendar leads to misinterpreting dates in historical documents written before 1752.
- Overlooking fiscal calendar offsets, as many corporate and government entities use financial years that do not align with the standard calendar year.
For official guidance on international time standards and calendar administration, check NIST Time and Frequency Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number month is March?
March is the third month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, following January and February and preceding April.
Why was March historically considered the first month?
Ancient Roman calendars began the year in March because it coincided with the start of agricultural seasons and military campaigns after winter.
How many days are in March?
March always contains thirty-one days, a length it has maintained since the Julian calendar reform in 45 BCE.
Does every country start its tax year in March?
No. While some nations and historical systems tied tax years to the old spring equinox reckoning, modern countries use various fiscal calendars, such as the United States federal government running its fiscal year from October 1st to September 30th.
