You were born on the March Ides! In the Roman calendar, the term "ides" referred to the middle of the month for Martius (March), Maius (May), Quintillis (July), or October. The Romans avidly celebrated Mars, the god of battle, on the Ides of March (who, by the way, is awesome). That's why that date became known as "Mars' Day."
In English, we don't have a word for "mars," so they just call it "Ides of March." This phrase comes from the ancient Roman festival which was held on the ides of each month. Originally, these were religious ceremonies dedicated to Mars, the war god, but over time they evolved into celebrations with a large amount of drinking and partying. It is because of this that, today, people often use March 15 as a reason to party or celebrate.
Now, back to you being born on the Ides of March... This means that you were born at the beginning of the month and that your birthday falls on a weekend day.
It also means that you will always find yourself on a lonesome Thursday somewhere in the world.
And finally, it means that Mars has been called up before the Roman people to defend their rights.
See what I mean? It's an important day!
The Ides of March was a day on the Roman calendar that is most famous for being the day Julius Caesar was assassinated—an event that many consider to be a watershed moment for the Roman Empire. This day falls on March 15th in the Gregorian calendar.
As with many dates in history, there are several theories regarding what happened on this day in 44 BC. Some historians believe that Caesar was murdered by a group of senators who feared his tyranny would destroy the Republic. Others think it may have been done by Brutus or Cassius. Still others believe it may have been an accident caused when someone tried to kill him while he was walking down the street. Whatever the case may be, it's clear that one very important leader was killed on this day.
In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, which some say is based on true events, it is reported that Caesar died at the hands of the Senate. The play is mostly known today because it has been used as a source of information about the assassination itself. According to the script, on the ides of March the doors of the senate house were opened to allow those outside the chamber to see what manner of man Caesar was. Then they voted him death. After which they made their way back inside where they ate bread and gave speeches about him. This is thought to be how Caesar was really killed.
Learners of the English Language The 15th of March, May, July, or October, or the 13th of any other month according to the old Roman calendar. Ideas for comments and questions.
Ides means 'fifths'. So, the Ides of March are the three most important days in March because they represent the beginning of the season for planting seeds and fields. The Ides of May are also important because they mark the beginning of summer and the end of spring. The Ides of July are special because that is when many wars began and ended. And finally, the Ides of October are important because those were the days when many festivals were held throughout Rome.
Here are some examples of how students might answer this question: "What day of the month does Ides stand for?" Their answers will vary depending on whether they are talking about the 5th, 15th, or 30th of a month.
John says that the Ides of April are important because it is when the Passover holiday begins. He notes that this is because Jews celebrate their freedom from Egypt every year on the 15th of the first month. John also mentions that the same thing happens in October when Christians celebrate All Saints Day. Thus, the student has shown an understanding of why these days are important.