March originally was the first month of the year, and it was named Martius. The name honors the Roman god of war, Mars. March was the month of spring and a good point to start a year. Since warmer weather was around, battle could again resume. Thus, March was a tribute to the war god. Numa Pompilis, the second king of Rome, modified the calendar around 700 BC and made January the first month of the year. Therefore, March moved to the third month. The violet is the flower for March. Birthstones for the month are bloodstone and aquamarine.
American Red Cross Month verifies the importance of the 1,600 local Red Cross chapters. Children could visit a website at: http://www.redcross.org.
Music in Our Schools Month celebrates the role of music education. Over eight million students benefit from the programs. Children could visit a website at: http://www.menc.org.
National Peanut Month lauds the peanut, a favorite of children.
National Nutrition Month reminds children to eat right. Children could visit a website at: http://www.eatright.org.
National Women’s History Month reminds us of the roles American women have played in our history. Children could visit a website at: http://www.nwhp.org/whm/index.php
Youth Art Month stresses the importance of art in the development of children.
Newspaper in Education Week is the first full week in March. In 2017 the dates are March 5 to March 9 .
National School Breakfast Week is the first full week in March. In 2017 the dates are March 5 to March 9. Children can learn more at: https://schoolnutrition.org/nsbw/
Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17.
Spring begins March 20.