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.

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.”

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