When many of us in the U.S. think about March, a few familiar moments come to mind — the shift into spring, St. Patrick's Day, and the welcome return of longer, brighter days. But across the world, March carries something far deeper: cultural, religious, and national holidays rooted in history, faith, and identity that most of us may never have encountered.
Holidays Worth Knowing
Known as the March 1st Independence Movement Day, Samiljeol commemorates a pivotal moment in Korean history — the 1919 nonviolent uprising against Japanese colonial rule. It is a day of national pride, resilience, and solemn remembrance. Koreans across the country honor the courage of those who stood up, often gathering at public monuments and participating in patriotic ceremonies. For many, it is one of the most meaningful days of the year.
Purim is one of Judaism's most joyful and festive holidays, rooted in the ancient story of Esther — a young Jewish woman whose courage helped save her people from destruction. Celebrated with costumes, carnivals, the public reading of the Book of Esther, and the sharing of sweet treats called hamantaschen, Purim is a holiday about survival, community, and the enduring power of speaking up when it matters most.
Also called Girls' Day or the Doll Festival, Hinamatsuri is a beloved Japanese tradition honoring the health, happiness, and bright futures of young girls. Families display ornate sets of traditional dolls (hina-ningyo) arranged on tiered platforms, and enjoy seasonal foods like chirashizushi and amazake. At its heart, Hinamatsuri is a celebration of daughters — a tender, family-centered ritual that has been passed down for centuries.
Perhaps the most visually spectacular holiday in March, Holi — the Festival of Colors — fills streets with clouds of vivid powder, laughter, music, and dancing. Rooted in Hindu tradition, Holi marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the triumph of good over evil, love, and joyful renewal. People of all backgrounds join in the celebration, which begins the evening before with a bonfire called Holika Dahan. Holi is a reminder that joy, when it is real, has no borders.
"Even if a holiday is unfamiliar to us, it may be deeply significant to someone else."
Ramadan is one of the most sacred observances in Islam — a full month of fasting from dawn to sunset, deepened prayer, and intentional spiritual reflection. For Muslims around the world, it is a time to draw closer to God, practice self-discipline, and increase generosity toward those in need. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday filled with gratitude, communal prayer, feasting, and giving to others. It is a season of both quiet devotion and vibrant community.
Nowruz — meaning "New Day" in Persian — is the Persian New Year, celebrated at the exact moment of the spring equinox. Observed for over 3,000 years by diverse communities across Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and many diaspora communities worldwide, Nowruz is a celebration of nature's renewal and the promise of new beginnings. Families gather around the Haft-sin table, a beautifully arranged display of seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter "S," each representing hopes for the coming year: health, prosperity, joy, and love.
National Milestones
Why This Matters
Recognizing holidays that fall outside our own cultural experience is one of the quietest and most meaningful forms of inclusion. It does not require a grand gesture — just a willingness to look up, to learn, and to acknowledge that someone in your workplace, school, neighborhood, or circle of friends may be celebrating something that holds great weight for them.
March offers more than a change in season. It offers an invitation. An invitation to expand what we know, to honor what others hold sacred, and to remember that the world is rich with diverse stories, customs, and ways of celebrating what it means to be alive.
The more we understand what others celebrate — and why — the more connected, thoughtful, and genuinely inclusive we become. And that kind of awareness? It does not just change how we see the calendar. It changes how we see each other.
