In the Roman calendar, March initially marked the beginning of the year, that is, before January and February became recognized. (see those months) The name has its basis in Martius, or Mars, as the Roman God of war.

In the Northern Hemisphere, though colder days can still prevail, with temperatures warm and new growth begins to arrive and spring officially starts. While the counterpart of the Southern Hemisphere generally feels a seasonal move into some cooler months.