March Holidays (pg. 2)

St. Patrick's Day :: March 17th

This Irish holiday is always celebrated on March 17th, which is the day St. Patrick died. Patrick was a missionary way back in the 4th century who converted the Irish to Christianity. He used the shammrock as a way of explaining the three important parts of Christianity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - which is why the shammrock is now a symbol for this day.

Saint Joseph's Day :: March 19th

People of Italian heritage usually celebrate this Christian holiday. It recognizes Joseph, the patron saint of Italy who was married to Jesus' mother, Mary. The holiday started in the Middle Ages when there was a long drought in Italy. The people prayed to St. Joseph for rain, and when it started raining they celebrated with a feast in his honor. There are also people who believe that swallows (a kind of bird) return to San Juan Capistrano, California from their winter migration on this day.

Spring Equinox :: March 20th

Spring Equinox, also called the Vernal Equinox, is the first day of spring. On this day, there are exactly 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness everywhere in the world.

Emancipation Day for Puerto Rico :: March 22nd

Emancipation days are celebrated on different days all over the world, depending on when slavery became illegal in each country. The first slaves were brought to Puerto Rico in 1560 and it wasn't until March 1873 that slavery was abolished.

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Related Stories:

St. Patrick's Day

Spring Equinox

April Holidays

More Behind the Holiday!

Read more: Behind the Holiday