15 March - Constitution Day Belarus

 

Belarus celebrates Constitution Day on March 15th. Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the country's first constitution, which occurred on March 15, 1994. Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and the adoption of the constitution marked an important step in establishing its governance framework.

On Constitution Day, various events and activities take place across Belarus to celebrate the constitutional principles and values. These may include official ceremonies, cultural events, educational programs, and public gatherings. The day serves as an occasion to reflect on the country's constitutional history and the principles that guide its legal and political systems.

 

15 March - Joseph Jenkins Roberts birth anniversary

 

Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) was a prominent figure in the history of Liberia and a key leader in the country's early years. Born on 15 March 1809, in Norfolk, Virginia, Roberts played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of Liberia as a haven for freed African-American slaves.

Key points about Joseph Jenkins Roberts include:

1. Migration to Liberia: In 1829, Roberts emigrated to Liberia as part of the American Colonization Society's efforts to establish a colony for freed African-Americans on the African continent.

2. Political Career: Roberts became involved in Liberian politics and played a significant role in its early government. He served as the first black governor of Liberia's colony and later became the first president of the independent Republic of Liberia.

3. First Liberian President: Roberts was elected as the first president of Liberia in 1847, following the country's declaration of independence from the American Colonization Society. He served multiple terms and played a crucial role in shaping Liberia's political and social structures.

4. Recognition and Diplomacy: Roberts focused on gaining international recognition for Liberia. Under his leadership, Liberia secured recognition from various European nations and the United States.

5. Challenges and Legacy: Roberts faced challenges, both domestically and in dealing with external threats. His efforts to consolidate power and deal with the indigenous populations were controversial, and his legacy is complex. However, he is recognized for his role in establishing Liberia as an independent nation.

Joseph Jenkins Roberts passed away on 24 February 1876. He is remembered as a significant figure in Liberian history, contributing to the formation of the country and its early political institutions.

15 March - World Sleep Day

 

World Sleep Day is an annual event that occurs on the Friday before the northern hemisphere vernal equinox. It was first organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society, and it aims to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and to advocate for better sleep health.

Observed globally, World Sleep Day typically falls in March each year. During this day, various activities and events are organized by healthcare professionals, sleep experts, educators, and organizations to promote healthy sleep habits and address sleep-related issues such as sleep disorders, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and sleep hygiene.

These activities may include public seminars, workshops, webinars, awareness campaigns through social media and traditional media channels, as well as distribution of educational materials about sleep health. The overarching goal is to emphasize the significance of sleep in maintaining overall health and well-being and to encourage individuals to prioritize good sleep habits.

Each year, World Sleep Day has a specific theme, focusing on different aspects of sleep health and addressing relevant issues. Some common themes include the importance of regular sleep patterns, the impact of technology on sleep, the role of sleep in mental health, and the relationship between sleep and physical wellness.

World Sleep Day serves as a reminder for people to evaluate their sleep habits, seek help if they have sleep-related problems, and make positive changes to improve their sleep quality and quantity for better overall health and quality of life.

 

15 March - World Speech Day

 

World Speech Day is an annual event celebrated on March 15th, dedicated to promoting the power of speech and oratory as a means of communication and expression. It was first established in 2016 with the aim of encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to share their ideas, stories, and perspectives with the world.

On World Speech Day, individuals and organizations around the globe organize various activities such as public speaking events, workshops, debates, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, and competitions. The overarching goal is to inspire and empower individuals to find their voice, express themselves confidently, and contribute positively to their communities and society as a whole.

World Speech Day emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue among people from different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. It celebrates the art of public speaking as a tool for promoting positive change, raising awareness about important issues, and inspiring others to take action.

The theme of World Speech Day may vary each year, but its core mission remains consistent: to celebrate the power of speech and communication in shaping the world for the better.

 

15 March - Honen Matsuri

 

Honen Matsuri, also known as the "Harvest Festival" or "Fertility Festival," is a traditional Japanese celebration held annually on March 15th. It primarily takes place in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, though similar festivals are held in other regions of Japan as well.

During Honen Matsuri, participants carry a large wooden phallus, called an "O-mikoshi," through the streets in a procession, accompanied by music and dancing. The phallus symbolizes fertility and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming harvest season.

The festival has its roots in ancient Shinto traditions and is often associated with prayers for a bountiful harvest and fertility for both crops and people. It's also celebrated as a rite of passage for young men, symbolizing their transition into adulthood.

Honen Matsuri attracts visitors from both Japan and around the world who come to witness the colorful and festive atmosphere. While the festival may seem unusual to outsiders, it's an important cultural tradition that reflects Japan's rich history and religious practices.

 

15 March - Buzzard Day

 

"Buzzard Day" is an event that takes place in Hinckley, Ohio, USA. It's held annually on March 15th, and it's a unique celebration that marks the return of buzzards (also known as turkey vultures) to the area as a sign of spring's arrival. The town of Hinckley has been hosting this tradition for over 50 years. During the event, visitors gather to observe the buzzards' return and participate in various festivities, including live music, food vendors, and educational programs about wildlife conservation. It's a lighthearted and quirky tradition that has become a beloved part of the local culture in Hinckley.

15 March - Maine is admitted as the twenty-third U.S. state

 

Maine was admitted as the twenty-third U.S. state on March 15, 1820. This event followed the Missouri Compromise, a legislative effort to balance the number of slave and free states in the Union. As part of the compromise, Missouri was admitted as a slave state, and Maine was separated from Massachusetts to be admitted as a free state, maintaining the balance between slave and free states in the United States. The Missouri Compromise aimed to ease tensions between the North and the South regarding the expansion of slavery into new territories and states.

15 March - Youth Day Palau

 

Youth Day is a public holiday in Palau.

Youth Day is one of the most important holiday celebrations in the island nation Palau. The country celebrates the holiday every year on the 15th of March.

History of Palau’s Youth Day

The institution of Youth Day in Palau was based on the call to integrate the youth in public service early on in order to help them become better decision-makers in the future and to create a reservoir of highly-intellectual pool of educated men in the country. To formally recognize this cause, a national holiday is set aside to celebrate the role of youth in shaping Palau society and government – Palau Youth Day which is celebrated every 15th of March.

 

15 March - Assassination of Julius Caesar 44BC

 

By the time of his assassination on 15 March 44BC, Julius Caesar was at the height of his power, having recently been declared dictator perpetuo by the Roman Senate.

This kind of power made many senators nervous that Caesar would overthrow the senate and establish one-man tyranny. Thus they planned to murder him and restore the authority of the Roman Republic.

Despite being warned of the plot in the days before, Caesar went to the Senate on the 15th. There, a group of about 30 Senators - including Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius - attacked him with knives, stabbing him numerous times. Records of his last words vary; some mentioned that he said nothing, or said "You too, child?" in Greek. The most famous supposed phrase, "Et tu, Brute?" comes from William Shakespeare's 1599 play Julius Caesar and has no basis in fact.

In any case the goals of the assassination failed. It led to civil war and the eventual assumption to power of Augustus, who became the first Roman Emperor.

15 March - First ever official cricket test match was played in 1877

 

On 15 March 1877, First ever official cricket test match was played: Australia vs England at the MCG Stadium, in Melbourne, Australia.

Two rival English tours of Australia were proposed in the early months of 1877, with James Lillywhite campaigning for a professional tour and Fred Grace for an amateur one. Grace's tour fell through and it was Lillywhite's team that toured New Zealand and Australia in 1876–77. Two matches against a combined Australian XI were later classified as the first official Test matches. The first match was won by Australia, by 45 runs and the second by England. After reciprocal tours established a pattern of international cricket, The Ashes was established as a competition during the Australian tour of England in 1882. A surprise victory for Australia inspired a mock obituary of English cricket to be published in the Sporting Times the following day: the phrase "The body shall be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia" prompted the subsequent creation of the Ashes urn.