March is a month of transition, as winter begins to loosen its grip and spring starts to make its presence known. It’s also a month of movable feasts, holidays that change their observation date each year. These holidays are often based on astronomical events, such as the phases of the moon or the equinoxes.
Here are some of the most well-known movable feasts in March:
- Shrove Tuesday: Also known as Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Lent, a period of fasting and repentance in the Christian calendar. It’s traditionally celebrated with pancakes, a dish made with eggs, milk, and flour, which are said to use up all the leftover fat and dairy products in the house before Lent begins.
- March Equinox: The March equinox is one of the two equinoxes in the year, the other being the September equinox. It marks the official beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere. The precise date of the March equinox varies from year to year, but it always falls between March 19 and 21.
- Nowruz: Nowruz is the Persian New Year, a celebration of renewal and hope. It’s celebrated by millions of people around the world, including those in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and other countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. The exact date of Nowruz varies from year to year, but it always falls on the first day of spring.
- Maundy Thursday: Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It’s traditionally observed with a foot-washing ceremony, representing Jesus’ act of washing the feet of his disciples.
These are just a few of the many movable feasts that occur in March. These holidays add a sense of excitement and anticipation to the month, as people look forward to celebrating their unique traditions and customs.
