Fact 1: The Vernal Equinox Connection
On most years, March 25, is exactly one week after the spring equinox in Northern Hemisphere and autumnal equinox Southern Hemisphere. This phenomenon is seen as a sign of hope and new beginnings in different cultures worldwide, particularly symbolizing the start of spring after the long winter.
Fact 2: The Lady Day
In England, March 25th was traditionally known as Lady Day and was considered the first day of the year in the Julian Calendar until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The switch also moved the start of the year to January 1.
Fact 3: A Day of Freedom
In America, March 25th is recognized as "Tolkien Reading Day". This day is celebrated to honor J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, The Lord of the Rings, where March 25th is the date when the ring is destroyed and freedom is given to the people of Middle-earth.
Fact 4: The Greek Revolution
March 25 also marks the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Every year on this date, Greeks around the globe partake in military parades and other festive events to celebrate this pivotal moment in their history.
Fact 5: A Significant Day For Believers
For Christian believers, March 25 is observed as the Feast of the Annunciation, marking the biblical event where Archangel Gabriel visited Virgin Mary to announce her divine pregnancy. This day is nine months before Christmas, aligning with the human gestation period.
Fact 6: Maryland's Birthday
March 25th is Maryland Day in the United States, marking the formal founding of the colony of Maryland, by settlers sent by Cecilius Calvert, second Lord Baltimore, on this day in 1634.
Fact 7: World's First Passenger Train Service
On March 25, 1807, the Oystermouth Railway re-opened to provide the world's first passenger train service on its nine-mile-long track in Wales, United Kingdom.
Fact 8: Birthday of Artistic Icons
Some of the world's greatest artistic icons were born on March 25, including Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Sarah Jessica Parker, adding some star power to this date.
Fact 9: European Union Day
March 25, known as European Union Day, commemorates the signing in 1957 of the Treaty of Rome, which officially established the European Economic Community – an important step toward the European Union we know today.
Fact 10: New Year in the Middle Ages
Various medieval kingdoms in Europe, such as France and England, considered March 25 as the start of the New Year until the 16th century when the Gregorian calendar was adopted.
Fact 11: Waffle Day!
In Sweden, March 25 is celebrated as "Waffle Day". The name comes from Vårfrudagen ("Our Lady's Day"), which sounds almost like Våffeldagen (waffle day). It's a great day for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Fact 12: Venus’s Yearly Visit
Astronomy enthusiasts might know that March 25 is usually the day when Venus reaches its highest point in the night sky and is typically visible for around 3 hours.
Fact 13: The Venus de Milo's Discovery
March 25 marks the discovery of one of art's most recognized figures, the Venus de Milo. Found in 1820 within the ruins of the ancient city of Milos, Greece, this iconic statue quickly became a symbol of timeless beauty.
Fact 14: Italy's Unification
March 25 is celebrated in Italy as the anniversary of the nation's unification in 1861. This historic milestone is still celebrated today with food, feasts, and fireworks.
Fact 15: The Start of the Calendar Year
In the Julian calendar, which was replaced by the Gregorian calendar we use today, March 25 was New Year's Day.
Fact 16: Bangladesh’s Independence
March 25, known as Independence Day in Bangladesh, marks the declaration of independence from Pakistan in the year 1971.
Fact 17: The Scottish Abolition of Slavery
On March 25, 1772, Scotland declared in the case of Knight v. Wedderburn, a landmark decision that effectively led to the abolition of slavery in Scotland.
Fact 18: Rotary International Day
Every year, on March 25, Rotary International Day is celebrated. It's a day that recognizes the works of this organization globally, dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services.
Fact 19: The End of the Winter Palace
On March 25, 1917, during the February revolution in Russia, the most iconic Winter Palace was officially announced to be no longer the residence of the Tsar.
Fact 20: The Start of Time
In the Middle Ages, March 25 was also believed to be the day the world was created. The reason being, Bede, an English monk, opined that the world began on March 25 with the creation of light and time by God.