March 1st - March 31st

Women's History Month is a time to honor the achievements and contributions that women have made from all over the world. Women have contributed so much to STEM, Art, and many other majors, helping shape our world today. Although there is an abundant amount of notable women that have graced history, here are a few you should know about:

Boudica, c30–61

Boudica was the Queen of the Iceni tribe during the Roman occupation of Britain. It was said that she united tribed in a Celtic revolt against Roman rule. She led an army of over 100,000 people, and succeeded in driving Romans out of modern-day Colchester (which use to be the capital of Roman Britain), London, and Verulamium (St Albans).

Georgia O'Keeffe, 1887-1986

O'Keeffe was inarguably noted as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, due to her contributions to modern art. She was also noted as the first female painter to gain respect in New York's art world in the 1920s. A quote of hers is, "I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from a single thing that I wanted to do."

Malala Yousafzai, 1997-present

Malala Yousafzai was noted as an international symbol for girls education after being shot for opposing Taliban restrictions on female education in Pakistan. Her being shot did not stop her from advocating, because in 2014 (age 17) she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. And in 2017, the United Nations named her as a "Messenger of Peace".

Virginia Woolf, 1882-1941

Woolf was considered one of the most innovative writers of the 20th century. She was known for writing fractured narratives, and in a style featuring a characters stream of consciousness, where characters are depicted through their inner monologue. People considered her words psychological novels.

Take this month to honor the women who have positively impacted this world! More and more women are contributing to the advancement of technology, art, corporate, and more day after day.

“You could certainly say that I’ve never underestimated myself. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious.”

– Angela Merkel  

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March 5th

Ash Wednesday is marked as the first day of Lent in the Western Christian church. It's a day that is set aside to remind them that humans are mortal, and that they need to reconcile with God. The day represents repentance mourning, that includes fasting and prayer. Usually during this day, a priest applies ashes to a person's forehead. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God created us from. While it is applied, these words are spoken from the priest, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." 

Here are some fun facts about Ash Wednesday!:

• Ash Wednesday didn't gain popularity with Christians until the 1970s.

• You don't have to go to church to get ashes from a priest!

• Many people keep the ashes on their forehead for the entire day!

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March 9th

The concept of Daylight Saving Time was invented in 1784 by Benjamin Franklin. He thought that getting up earlier would economize candle usage, and save people money. This means people would make greater use of daylight during the warmer months.

Here are some fun facts about Daylight Saving Time!:

• Germany was the first country to implement Daylight Saving Time.

• Daylight Saving Time isn't a worldwide event.

• Daylight Saving Time wasn't created to specifically benefit farmers.

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March 14th

Holi is a holiday known as the "Festival of Colors". It's a Hindu festival which celebrates spring arrival, triumph of good over evil, and the love between Radha and Krishna. Throughout the festival, people throw colored powder and water at each other, signifying joy, new beginnings, and letting go of negativity. This holiday is primarily celebrated in India and South Asian religions. To make it even cooler, each color means something different during Holi. Here are the meanings!:

• Red: Love, passion, and fertility

• Orange: Strength, sacrifice, and courage

• Yellow: Turmeric, sunshine, meditation, happiness, peace

• Green: Happiness and new beginnings

• Blue: Calmness, serenity, and determination, mimicking the ocean and the sky. This color also represents Krishna.

• Purple: Wisdom, peace, royalty, wealth, power

• Pink: Joy, youthfulness, good health, happiness

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March 17th

Saint Patrick's Day is a day observing the death of Saint Patrick, who was the patron saint of Ireland. Throughout the years, the holiday has turned into an Irish culture celebration full of parades, great food, music, dancing, drinking, and the color green. Here are some fun facts about Saint Patrick's Day:

• Saint Patrick was burned in Britain

• Leprechauns are based on Celtic Fairies

• The shamrock was considered a sacred plant

• The first Saint Patrick's Day parade was held in America

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February 28th - March 29th

Ramadan is observed as a month of fasting, reflection, prayer, and community by those of the Islamic faith.  It is believed that the Holy "Qur'an" was sent down from heaven as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation."  Muslims adhere to strict fasting from dawn until sunset during Ramadan.

• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.  It is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.

• Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink (even water) during daylight hours during this time.  This is done as a quiet act of worship.  The fast can be broken after sundown with a mean and a prayer called iftar.

• Many Muslims visit their mosque and spend time in prayer during Ramadan.

• At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for festive meals and exchange gifts. Special gifts are also given to the poor. 

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