by Diva Cally

March is upon us and that means the weather hopefully will be warming up here and I can put away the snow gear soon. Did March come in like a lamb or a lion? This all depends on the weather for you and where you live. May the luck of the blarney touch all those who are Irish or become Irish even if it is just for a few hours on St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy March and raise a glass for luck! Wear a little green and have fun as spring is around the corner!

Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and he almost didn't get the job of bishop of Ireland because he lacked the required scholarship. Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity, he became closer to God. He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity. His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity. But his superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed as second bishop to Ireland. Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity. His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated. Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day. The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in the US, in Boston.

This months feature Holiday is:  Baba Marta Day (Grandma Marta)

Before the beginning of March each year Bulgarians present to relatives and friends martenitsa (also known in some Bulgarian regions as martenka) - a double red and white tassel - to bring health and happiness. On the first day of March, people in Bulgaria put the martenitsas on their clothes or wrists and wish each other health and happiness with "Chestita baba Marta" - (in English, "Happy Grandma Marta"). "Marta" comes from the word for March (Mart) in Bulgarian. This is an ancient Bulgarian (pagan) tradition (well - nobody knows how old but most probably it's more than one thousand years old) and symbolizes the end of the cold winter and the coming of the spring. Martenitsas are supposed to be worn until the person sees the first stork (supposedly returning from the South and not the one in the Zoo). Then martenitsas are thrown onto a tree. The red and white colours symbolize the snow and the blood from an old story where, a stork brings the blessing for health to a small child from its parents, who are far away. The giving of the martenitsa makes you expect the Spring very soon. The "arrival" of the stork indicates that this has happened. The lack of "real" winter and storks as there are not a lot of them in the cities raises some difficulties in implementing this tradition nowadays but Bulgarians are still celebrating and very fond of the 1st of March in a traditional and "modern" way at the same time.

March Is:

*  Cataract Awareness Month     * Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month     * Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month     * Craft Month     * Feminine Empowerment Month     * Foot Health Month     * Frozen Food Month     * Furniture Refinishing Month     * Gardening, Nature and Ecology Books Month     * Hemophilia Month     * Humorists Are Artists Month     * International Hamburger & Pickle Month     * Irish-American Heritage Month     * Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month     * Music in Our Schools Month     * Middle School Month     * Mirth Month     * Noodle Month     * Nutrition Month (National, US)     * Peanut Month (National, US)     * Poison Prevention Awareness Month     * Professional Social Work Month     * Red Cross Month (American)     * Rosacea Awareness Month     * Science Month     * Social Worker's Month (National)     * Talk with Your Teen about Sex Month     * Women's History Month (National US)     * Youth Art Month

Famous Historical Moments in March:

1  Yellowstone becomes the first national park in the US. (1872) 2 Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors scores 100 points in a basketball game. (1962) 3 The Star Spangled Banner becomes the National Anthem (1931) 4 The Constitution of the United States of America goes into effect. (1789) 4 Mrs. Charles Fahning of Buffalo N.Y. is recognized as the first woman to bowl a perfect 300 game. (1930) 5 The Boston Massacre occurred. (1770) 6 Silly putty is invented. (1950) 6 Well known and loved Walter Cronkite signs off as anchorman of the CBS Evening News (1981) 7 Alexander Graham Bell patents the Telephone. (1876) 7 Monopoly board game is invented (1933) 8 President Ronald Reagan calls the USSR an "Evil Empire" (1983) 8 Baseball great Joe DiMaggio dies (1999) 9 Ironclad ships the Monitor and the Merrimack battle in the Civil war. 10 The U.S. government issues paper money for the first time. (1862) 10 Alexander Graham Bell places the world's first telephone call, to his assistant in the next room. (1876) 11 The most famous storm in American history, the Blizzard of 1888, begins. 12 Girl Scouts were founded By Lady Baden-Powell. (1912) 12 Baseball great Joe Dimaggio agrees to a new contract with the NY Yankees, and gets a $6,250 raise. 13 Senate begins impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. (1868) 13 Harvard University is named after clergyman John Harvard. (1639) 14 Eli Whitney patents the Cotten Gin (1794) 14 George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Company, commits suicide rather than facing the ravages of Cancer. (1932) 15 "The Ides of March" Julius Caesar is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus. (44 B.C.) 16 Professor Robert Goddard launches the first liquid fuel rocket. (1926) 16 The Mai Lai Massacre takes place in Vietnam. (1968) 17 On this day everyone is a little bit Irish- It's Saint Patrick's Day! 17 The rubber band was invented. Can you imagine life without them!?! (1845) 18 Soviet Union cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov becomes the first person to take a space walk. (1965) 19 Congress approves Daylight Savings Time. (1918) 20 Harriet Beacher Stowe publishes the book Uncle Tom's Cabin . (1852) 21 The infamous Alcatraz prison is closed. (1963) 23 Patrick Henry declares "Give me liberty, or give me death!" (1775) 24 German scientist Robert Koch announces he has discovered the bacillus that causes Tuberculosis. (1882) 24 Elvis Presley joins the U.S. Army. (1958) 25 The European Economic Community (ECC) is established by the Treaty of Rome. (1957) 26 Ludwig Von Beethoven dies in Vienna, Austria. (1827) 26 Dr. Jonas Salk invents a vaccine to fight polio. 26 The Eastman Dry Plate and Chemical Company manufactures the first motion picture film. (1885) 27 The biggest earthquake ever recorded strikes Anchorage, Alaska.  It measured 8.3 on the Richter scale. (1964) 28 Nathaniel Briggs patents the washing machine. (1797) 28 The city of Madrid falls to the forces of Francisco Franco, ending the Spanish Civil War. (1939) 28 Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident occurs in Middletown, Pa. (1979) 28 Sally Ride becomes the first woman in space. (1983) 29 Ice jams stop the flow of water over Niagara Falls. (1848) 29 Coca Cola is invented. (1886) 30 The 15th amendment goes into effect, giving black men the right to vote. (1870) 30 Jeopardy debuts on television. (1964) 31  The Eiffel Tower opens in Paris, France (1889)

Holidays the Divas Celebrate in March - All Over the World!

1      Baba Marta in Bulgaria 1     Guam Discovery Day in Guam 1     Heroes' Day in Paraguay 1     Memorial and Nuclear Victim's Day in Marshall Islands 1     Samil Independence Movement Day in Korea, South 1     Yap Day in Micronesia 2     Texas Independence Day in United States 2     Victory of Adwa Day in Ethiopia 3     Declaration of the Authoritie's Power in Libya 3     Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) in Japan 3     Martyrs' Day in Malawi 3     National Holiday in Bulgaria 3     National Unity Day in Sudan 3     Throne Day in Morocco 4     Vermont Admission Day in United States 5     Custom Chief's Day in Vanuatu 5     Missionary Day in French Polynesia 6     Independence Day in Ghana 7     National Youth Day in Fiji 8     International Women's Day in many countries 8     International Women's Working Day in China 8     Revolution Day in Syria 8     Women's Day in Azerbaijan 8     Women's Day in Belarus 8     Women's Day in Cambodia 8     Women's Day in Eritrea 8     Women's Day in Guinea-Bissau 8     Women's Day in Kazakhstan 8     Women's Day in Kyrgystan 8     Women's Day in Laos 8     Women's Day in Macedonia 8     Women's Day in Mauritania 8     Women's Day in Moldova 8     Women's Day in Mongolia 8     Women's Day in Nepal 8     Women's Day in Russia 8     Women's Day in Taiwan 8     Women's Day in Tajikistan 8     Women's Day in Turkmenistan 8     Women's Day in Uganda 8     Women's Day in Ukraine 8     Women's Day in USSR 8     Women's Day in Uzbekistan 9     Baron Bliss Day in Belize 9     Commonwealth Day in British Virgin Islands 10     Commonwealth Day in Gibraltar 11     Commonwealth Day in Tuvalu 11     Johnny Appleseed Day in United States 11     Restoration of Lithuania's Statehood in Lithuania 11     Youth Day in Zambia 12     Independence Day in Mauritius 12     Mosheshoe's Birthday in Lesotho 13     Mother's Day in Georgia 14     Day of Solidarity with South Lebanon in Lebanon 15     Constitution Day in Belarus 15     Day of the 1848 Revolution in Hungary 15     National Day in Hungary 15     Thanksgiving in Honduras 16     Black Press Day in United States 16     Loco Davi in Haiti 17     Evacuation Day in United States 17     St. Patrick's Day in Ireland 17     St. Patrick's Day in Montserrat 17     St. Patrick's Day in United States 18     National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba 19     Feast of St. Joseph in Malta 19     St. Joseph Expression de la juridiction Legba in Haiti 19     St. Joseph's Day in Colombia 19     St. Joseph's Day in Costa Rica 19     St. Joseph's Day in Liechtenstein 19     St. Joseph's Day in San Marino 19     St. Joseph's Day in Spain 19     St. Joseph's Day in Venezuela 20     Independence Day in Tunisia 20     Legba Zaou in Haiti 20     Noruz in Tajikistan 20     Noruz in Turkmenistan 20     Noruz in Uzbekistan 21     Afghan New Year in Afghanistan 21     Human Rights Day in South Africa 21     Independence Day in Namibia 21     Juarez Day in Mexico 21     Noruz in Azerbaijan 21     Noruz in Iran 21     Tree Planting Day in Lesotho 21     Youth Day in Tunisia 22     Abolition Day in Puerto Rico 22     Arab League Day in Lebanon 22     Arab League Day in Syria 22     Day of the People's Party in Laos 22     Emancipation Day in Puerto Rico 22     Noruz in Kazakhstan 22     Noruz in Kyrgystan 22     Victory Day in Angola 23     Pakistan Day in Pakistan 24     Greek Independence Day in Cyprus 25     Arengo Anniversary in San Marino 25     Commemoration Day of Victims of Communist Terror in Latvia 25     Greek Independence Day in Greece 25     Independence Day in Greece 25     Lady Day (Feast of the Annunciation) in many countries 26     Independence and National Day in Bangladesh 26     Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day in United States 28     Evacuation Day in Libya 29     Boganda Day in Central African Republic 29     Death of President Barthlemy Boganda in Central African Republic 29     Seward's Day in United States 31     Culture Day in Micronesia 31     Freedom Day in Malta 31     Transfer Day in Virgin Islands

Is your Birthday in March?

One of these famous or infamous people may share your day. Also here are your astrological signs, birthstone and flower.

Astrological Signs For March: Pisces:  February 19 - March 20 Aries:  March 21 - April 19 March's Birthstone: March's Birthstone:  Aquamarine, Bloodstone March's Flower:  March's Flower:  Jonquil Famous March Birthday's: 1 Harry Belafonte, 1927 Roger Daltry, 1944 (Musician, The Who) Ron Howard, 1954 Donald Slayton, 1924 (Astronaut) 2 Jon Bon Jovi, 1962 (Musician) Mikhail Gorbachev, 1931 Lou Reed, 1942 Dr. Seuss, 1904 3 Alexander Graham Bell, 1847 Jessica Biel, 1982 Jean Harlow, 1911 Michael Imperioli, 1966 4 Chastity Bono, 1969 Patricia Heaton, 1958 Kevin Johnson, 1966 Catherine O'Hara, 1954 General Pulaski 5  Rex Harrison, 1908 (Actor) Michael Irvin, 1966 Niki Taylor, 1975 6 Tom Arnold, 1959 Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1475 (Artist) D. L. Hughley, 1963 Ed McMahon, 1923 Shaquille O'Neal, 1972 Rob Reiner, 1945 7 Bryan Cranston, 1956 Laura Prepon, 1980 Willard Scott, 1934 Daniel Travanti, 1940 (Actor) 8 Syd Charisse, 1922 (Actress) Camryn Manheim, 1961 Freddie Prinze, Jr., 1976 Lynn Redgrave, 1943 James Van Der Beek, 1977 9 Juliette Binoche, 1964 Bobby Fischer, 1943 (Chess Great) Emanuel Lewis, 1971 Mark Lindsay, 1942 (Musician - Paul Revere & The Raiders) 10 Prince Edward of England, 1964 Edward Guy, 1964 Shannon Miller, 1977 Chuck Norris, 1940 Sharon Stone, 1958 11 Lawrence Welk, 1903 (Musician, Bandleader) 12 Liza Minelli, 1946 (Actress, Singer) Walter Schirrar, 1923 (Astronaut) 14 Michael Caine, 1933 (Actor) Albert Einstein, 1879 (Scientist) 15 Andrew Jackson, 1767 (7th US President) 16 Lauren Graham, 1936 Jerry Lewis, 1926 (Actor, Comedian) James Madison, 1751 (4th US President) 17 Rob Lowe, 1964 (Actor) Thomas Mattingly, 1936 (Astronaut) Kurt Russell, 1951 (Actor) 18 Grover Cleveland, 1837 (22nd & 24th US President) Peter Graves, 1926 (Actor) Queen Latifah, 1980 Pillsbury Dough Boy, 1961 Vanessa Williams, 1963 19 Wyatt Earp, 1848 St. Joseph Glenn Close, 1947 (Actress) Bruce Willis, 1955 (Actor) 20 Holly Hunter, 1958 Spike Lee, 1957 21 Matthew Broderick, 1962 (Actor) Rosie O'Donnell, 1962 (TV Personality, Comedienne, Actress) Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer) Eddie Money, 1949 (Singer) 22 Leonard Chico Marx, 1887 (Marx Brothers) William Shatner, 1931 (Actor - Captain Kirk, Star Trek) Reese Witherspoon, 1970 23 Joan Crawford (Actress) 24 Harry Houdini, 1874 Steve McQueen, 1930 (Actor) 25 Anita Bryant, 1940 Aretha Franklin, 1942 Elton John, 1947 (Musician)  Jim Lovell, 1928 (Astronaut) Sarah Jessica Parker, 1965 Gloria Steinem, 1934 26 James Caan, 1940 Leeza Gibbons, 1957 Diana Ross, 1944 (Singer) 27 Mariah Carey, 1970 Quentin Tarantino, 1963 28 Lucy Lawless, 1968 Reba McEntire, 1955 Vince Vaughn, 1970 29 Eric Idle, 1943 Kurt Thomas, 1954 John Tyler, 1790 (10th US President) 30 Warren Beatty, 1937 (Actor) Eric Clapton, 1945 (Musician) Celine Dion, 1968 (Singer) 31 Richard Chamberlain, 1934 (Actor) Al Gore, 1948 (Former US Vice President & Presidential Candidate) Christopher Walken, 1943 (Actor)