After a once in a decade series of snow, sleet, and hail--proving Punxsutawney Phil correct beyond a shadow of a doubt--spring is upon us. The week of March 21 marks the first week of spring as the season technically begins on the twentieth. To celebrate the change of season, there are two uniquely American botanical holidays this week. March 25 marks Pecan Day, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins on March 27.
January's new year and February's Chinese New Year have passed, but until fairly recently in world history Americans celebrated the new year this week. March 25 celebrates Old New Year's Day. Before 1751 the then-colonies and the United Kingdom used the increasingly inaccurate Julian calendar. The change to the modern Gregorian calendar moved the new year back to January 1 where it remains today.
On a related note, this week marks the Iranian holiday of Noruz. The new year according to the Persian calendar, Noruz predates Islam in Iran. It has been celebrated for over millennia by Zoroastrians, Baha'is, and cultures historically connected to Persia and Iran.
This week is host to an exciting variety of birthdays. Novelist James Patterson, Indiana Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, former Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor, comedian Rosie O'Donnell and singers Aretha Franklin and Elton John celebrate birthdays this week. The Garland County Library has biographies on most of these famous people as well as dozens of novels authored by James Patterson.
On a silly note, this week contains two unusual holidays: International Goof-Off Day on March 22 and Make Up Your Own Holiday Day on March 26. Enjoy the possibilities this week has to offer!
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