March has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re wrapped up against winter’s final chill (my fingers are practically icicles as I type this) and the next, there’s a subtle warmth in the breeze, with longer days, blossoming flowers, and birds chirping everywhere. It’s like the world’s taking a deep breath.
For me, March has always been a month of festivities; my sister’s birthday, my father’s birthday, and Mother’s Day all align in March. Here’s the thing, though—March wasn’t always just my personal gift-giving season, it used to be a worldwide season for rejoicing too.
Centuries ago, it was the true New Year; long before January stole the show. And if you think about it, that kind of makes sense.
When March Was the Big Start
Picture this: It’s the ancient world—think Roman togas or Mesopotamian farmers—and the year doesn’t kick off in the middle of winter. Instead, it begins when the earth comes alive again, right around March.
Springtime was their cue to plant new crops, plan for the months ahead, and step into something new.
For most countries, this held true until 1582, when Italy swapped the Julian calendar for the Gregorian one we use now, and March lost its New Year crown. It was so dramatic too, they had to chop 10 days out of October; people went to sleep on the 5th and woke up on the 15th!
This swap was adopted by countries gradually over the years, though. For instance, Britain (as well as Egypt under Ottoman rule) had not made that switch until 1752. (Imagine the chaos when going through letters between countries that made the swap and ones that hadn’t. You could find a letter that was sent on one date and its response was received before it was sent!)
While most of the world has since adopted January 1st as the official start of the year, the idea of beginning anew in spring still lingers.
Many argue that the reason January resolutions seem to fizzle out after a few weeks is that it can be hard to muster big life changes in this type of weather. January, stuck in the dead of winter, doesn’t quite match the energy needed for a fresh start; when everything is frozen and still.
March, on the other hand, aligns perfectly with nature’s awakening. Perhaps that’s why some people nowadays choose to set their New Year’s intentions in spring instead, echoing the traditions of ancient civilizations that saw this season as the true beginning of the year.
A Fiery Spring Ritual
The Persians are one of the few cultures that have kept the springtime new year tradition alive, celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, right on the Spring Equinox, around March 20-21.
One tradition they have that stood out to me is Chaharshanbe Suri: A two-day celebration held on the last Tuesday before Nowruz. One of its rituals involves people lighting small bonfires in the streets and jumping over them while chanting, “My yellow is yours, your red is mine.”
The idea is to trade the “yellow” of sickness and fatigue from the past year for the fire’s “red” of health and energy. It traces back to Zoroastrian beliefs, where fire represents cleansing and renewal, and it is still celebrated widely in Persian communities today.
I read that, in some areas, children also go around their neighbourhoods, banging spoons on pots, to collect treats like nuts, sweets, or small gifts; kind of like a springtime trick-or-treat. Historically, this was their way of warding off evil spirits—a lively, hands-on way to welcome the new year.
Ramadan’s Timely Alignment
This year, and for the first time in 33 years, the Islamic Lunar Calendar and the Gregorian Calendar align, marking the beginning of both March and Ramadan on the same day—a cosmic high-five between the calendars, if you will.
Unlike the fixed Gregorian dates, the lunar system shifts Ramadan across the seasons over decades; sometimes it’s a sweaty summer marathon, sometimes a cozy winter breather—not that I ever experienced the latter though. I’ve been daydreaming my whole life about fasting in the blistering cold instead of the blazing sun. (If you’ve ever tried dry fasting in July, you know what I mean!)
However, there’s something about fasting in spring, when the natural world around us is in transition, that makes the month feel even more symbolic.
Beyond its profound physical effects, Ramadan is also a powerful mental reset, an exercise in self-discipline and reflection. It’s a chance to clear out the mental and spiritual clutter, drop old habits and distractions that no longer serve us, and realign with what truly matters.
And just as the world awakens from winter’s stillness, shaking off its heaviness to make room for new life, Ramadan offers the same opportunity for personal renewal, let’s say, a spring cleaning of the body and mind!
Ramadan in Egypt: A Month of Spirituality and Celebration
While Ramadan is a Muslim observance, in Egypt, its atmosphere spreads from the Mediterranean to the Nubian islands, with both Muslims and Christians sharing in the joy of the season—whether through decorations, special foods, or gathering for Iftar.
If you’re interested in exploring this part of the world further, I’m teaching a Cafetalk seasonal lesson titled “Ramadan in Egypt – A Month of Spirituality and Celebration”. We’ll talk about this season’s significance and dive into how Egypt transforms; streets buzzing with late-night markets, the unbeatable taste of Qatayef, and that spiritual-yet-festive vibe that blankets the whole country for 30 days.
It’s a glimpse into renewal, Egyptian-style!
Your Moment of March Magic
What might this month inspire in you?
The world’s shaking off its cold winter spell, and its quiet magic is calling on you to do the same. This isn’t about copying January’s ambitious resolutions; it’s softer, more natural, like the first hint of dawn after a long dark night.
Whether you welcome Ramadan’s reflection, celebrate Nowruz’s renewal, or simply feel the pull of a fresh start, consider this your sign. The little seeds you plant now can bloom into something extraordinary.
So, set a new intention, let go of what no longer serves you, and embrace the rhythm of the season.
Because March isn’t just about change—it’s about the magic of starting over!
Salam Ray, happy Ramadan to you. It’s so nice to have Ramadan during spring.
Salam Fadima, Ramadan Mubarak! Yes, so far I’m really loving it in this weather! 🙂