March is a month of change—in nature, in history, and even in how we mark time. It brings the arrival of spring, longer days, and a sense of rejuvenation. But did you know that for centuries, it was also considered the start of the new year?

Starting Fresh in Spring
 
Across ancient cultures, spring wasn’t just a season; it was a reset button. Civilizations from Mesopotamia to Rome saw it as the perfect time to start fresh, plant new crops, and set their intentions for the months ahead; and for a good reason!

Nature itself is waking up, shaking off the cold stillness of winter, and bursting back to life; birds chatter and sunlight lingers like it’s got nowhere else to be!

That energy doesn’t just belong to nature; it seeps into us, too.

In fact, until 1752, March was considered the official start of the new year in many countries, including Egypt which was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire at the time.

(Fun fact: when Britain adjusted the calendar in 1752, September had to lose 11 days to sync up with the new system. People went to bed on September 2nd and woke up on September 14th!)

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.

I often hear people say January isn’t ideal for big changes. Stuck in the middle of winter, it doesn’t quite match the energy needed for a fresh start. Everything’s still half-asleep—trees bare, skies gray, and motivation hiding under a blanket.

Perhaps that’s why some people nowadays choose to set their New Year’s intentions in March instead, echoing the traditions of ancient civilizations that saw spring as the true beginning of the year.

In some cultures, however, this idea is still alive and thriving. The Persian calendar, for example, celebrates Nowruz—the Persian New Year—on the spring equinox, aligning perfectly with the season of renewal. 

Ramadan’s Rare March Moment

This year, March 1st doubles as Ramadan 1st—a cosmic high-five between the Islamic Lunar Calendar and the Gregorian one. It’s a rare alignment, happening only once every 33 years.

Since the Islamic calendar follows the moon, Ramadan shifts seasons over time—sometimes summer, sometimes winter, although, this cycle takes decades. 

And I have been daydreaming my whole life about fasting with a crisp breeze instead of the blazing sun. (If you’ve ever tried dry fasting in July, you know what I mean!)

But no matter the season, Ramadan’s essence stays the same. It’s a month of reflection, self-discipline, and growth.

Many Muslims use this time not only for fasting but also for resetting their routines, setting new goals, and focusing on their mental, physical, and spiritual health.

In a way, it it aligns perfectly with springtime's energy!

Start Something New

Whether it’s spring’s gentle nudge, the echoes of ancient traditions, or the quiet power of Ramadan, March seems to carry a universal message: It’s time for a fresh start.

So, as the world starts to wake up from winter, maybe it’s the perfect moment for you to start something new, too.

It doesn’t have to be huge, you can do it Kaizen-style, one small step at a time; maybe picking up a new hobby, planting a tiny herb garden, or even learning a few phrases in a new language. 

And if you’re curious about how this season plays out in other cultures, I’ve got a lesson called “Ramadan in Egypt.” We’ll talk about how this month transforms daily life, with lively night markets, lanterns lighting up the streets, and delicious treats.

(A longer version of this article was originally published on my blog TRJ Lifestyle)