Information about the Month of March

March derived its name from ancient Rome. The first month of the ancient Roman calendar which was dedicated to “Martius” after Mars, the Roman god of war fell within this month. This is the period when winter is ending and the first flush of spring manifests in the northern hemisphere.

Abib/Nisan, the first (1st) month of the Biblical sacred year will commence on Monday March 27, 2017 at sundown. This is the 1st Nisan 5777. “Abib”is a collective noun signifying “green ears of corn it is the breaking of winter season, snow thaws, plant and animal life resurrects from its hibernation, and the cycle of life begins again. It logically becomes the beginning of the Biblical Sacred Year (Exodus 12.1-2) It will be the seventh (7th) month of the Biblical Civil calendar but remains the third (3rd) month of the Gregorian calendar.

According to Greek mythology, March is named after Mars and is also identified with the Greek god of war – Eres, who exalts bloodshed and violence. Other names for Eres are “The Avenger,” “The Slayer” and “The Curse.” The spear is his emblem; the dog and vulture are his sacred animals. In Roman Mythology Romulus the mythological founder and first king of Rome was deified as Quirinus a Sabine god of war; identified with Mars. His name was derived from a Sabine word quiris meaning “spear.”

The Vernal Equinox will occur on the New moon of 20th March 2017. The vernal equinox marks the gates of spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Feast of Purim will begin at sundown on March 11, 2017 and it will end at sundown on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Purim takes place on the 14th day of Adar.The Feast of Purim commemorates Queen Esther and Mordecai’s victory over Haman and those who wanted to annihilate the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. Their story is recorded in the Book of Esther.