Marching into Spring
We are literally marching into Spring, and I must admit, I have a little bit of whiplash. It seems like just yesterday I was putting up my Christmas tree and making those New Year’s resolutions, and now I’m planning Spring break and anticipating the freedom that comes with summer break. But before we jump to the hottest part of the year, at least here in Louisiana, we must not overlook all that March has to offer us. And I think that you might be surprised at what is celebrated this month and why!
Marching into Spring – List of Holidays
There are 50+ holidays recognized in March. (Yes, you heard that correctly… more than 50!) And a lot of these I had absolutely no clue about. There seems to be an abundance of recognition for many famous dishes. If you are a fan of chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter, banana cream pie, pound cake, cereal, oatmeal cookies, and a host of other famous treats, you can find them celebrated on specific days of this month.
If you are an animal lover, then you will be super happy to know that the following furry creatures have special days carved out at the beginning of spring. There’s Horse Protection Day, Pig Day, Welsh Corgi Day, Panda Day, Cuddle a Kitten Day, and more!
Even health-related areas of life are mentioned multiple times as a way for us to appreciate or, at the very least, acknowledge people and things that shape the way that we live our lives. Doctors, Bipolar disorder, Epilepsy, Tuberculosis, Down Syndrome, Oral health, Nurses, and even obesity are highlighted across the entire month.
Marching into Spring – Hodge Podge
And then there is a hodgepodge of random things that gave me a good chuckle. Here are a few examples and my thoughts on the matter:
March 9 – National “Get over it” Day. Honestly, I think this is a great idea! Everybody gets to stay mad until March 9th, and then we must all collectively move on!
March 11 – National “Napping” Day. This might be one of the quietest celebrations ever. Everyone is asleep!
March 14 – National “Save a Spider” Day. Does it count if I catch him in a jar just to squish him the following day? (Asking for a friend)
March 28 – National “Something on a Stick” Day. Um… okay. I’m actually speechless on this one. I guess if I put it on a stick, we can throw a party?!
Believe it or not, I only selected a few from each category. There are so many more, and each one is more baffling than the next. But it got me to thinking… what’s the point of all these days? How did they come into existence? Why are we celebrating sweet treats only to raise awareness of the country’s obesity crisis a week later in the same month? It is astonishing… or is it?
Marching into Spring – A place to belong
Then it dawned on me. Everyone wants to be seen, wants to be related to, and is searching for something special or unique about themselves that they can celebrate and add worth and meaning to their lives. People use these holidays to feel special and to bring people together who share the same interests, hobbies, appearances, and even illnesses. We all want to belong to a group. We all want someone to “get us”.
And I understand that. I feel that in the deepest part of my soul. To be understood and seen is to be loved.
I’ve actually felt this type of camaraderie in two different places. The first was when I decided to start running and participated in my first-ever half-marathon and other various 5k events. The running community is so warm, welcoming, and helpful, and they are genuinely just happy that you showed up.
The other place that I’ve had this tremendous sense of belonging and where the people around me have “gotten me” is at my church. There is this incredible feeling of safety, joy, and a common thread between us all, our love for Jesus and one another.
So, I totally understand if you want to find a group of people who adore cookies as much as you and have a bake-off. Or if you love animals so much that you are driven to open a shelter with the help of friends and family. Or if you, like me, want to find an amazing group of people to worship with, pray with, fellowship with, and win lost souls with. A group of people who share your heartbeat and passions. Because when you feel like you belong… life is easier to celebrate.
