Days Until March 20th
About March 20th
March 20th is one of 365 days on the calendar — and like every date, it has its own mix of facts, observances, and history. March 20th often marks the spring equinox, when day and night are nearly equal in length all over the world - the word 'equinox' comes from Latin meaning 'equal night'. The countdown below shows how many days remain until the next March 20th, with notes on what the date is known for, the traditions associated with it, and notable events that have happened on this day.
📚 Interesting Facts
March 20th often marks the spring equinox, when day and night are nearly equal in length all over the world - the word 'equinox' comes from Latin meaning 'equal night'
On the equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west for everyone on Earth, making it one of only two times per year this occurs
The spring equinox triggers increased birdsong as the increasing sunlight inspires birds to sing and migrate northward
Ancient civilizations like the Maya and Egyptians built monuments aligned with the equinox sun - at Chichen Itza's El Castillo pyramid, a serpent shadow descends the steps on this day
The March Full Moon near this date is called the 'Worm Moon' because earthworms and grubs reappear as the ground thaws, signaling spring's arrival
🎊 Traditions & Celebrations
International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide on March 20th, established by the UN in 2012 to recognize happiness and well-being as universal goals
Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebrated for over 3,000 years, often falls on March 20th and marks the first day of spring with family gatherings, special meals, and gift exchanges
In Japan, Shunbun no Hi (Vernal Equinox Day) is a national holiday where people visit ancestors' graves, practice good deeds, and reflect during the Buddhist Higan observance
Ancient Chinese tradition includes balancing eggs on the spring equinox for good luck and prosperity, symbolizing fertility and new beginnings
At Stonehenge in England, druids and pagans gather to watch the sunrise on the equinox and welcome spring, continuing an ancient tradition
📜 Historical Events on This Day
Napoleon Bonaparte arrived in Paris, beginning the Hundred Days period during which he attempted to recapture his empire after escaping from Elba
Harriet Beecher Stowe's influential anti-slavery novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was published in book form, becoming a catalyst for the abolitionist movement
Albert Einstein presented his general theory of relativity, revolutionizing our understanding of gravity, space, and time
General Douglas MacArthur made his famous 'I shall return' speech at Terowie, South Australia, regarding the fall of the Philippines during World War II
John Lennon of The Beatles married Japanese artist and musician Yoko Ono in Gibraltar, forming one of music's most famous partnerships
AZT (azidothymidine) became the first drug approved by the U.S. FDA for treating AIDS, marking a crucial milestone in HIV/AIDS treatment
Members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system, killing 12 people and injuring thousands in a devastating terrorist attack
The Iraq War began as U.S. and coalition forces invaded Iraq, leading to a conflict that would last years and cause hundreds of thousands of casualties
Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was born in Skien, Norway - he would revolutionize European theater with realistic dramas addressing social issues
Canadian ice hockey legend Bobby Orr was born in Parry Sound, Ontario - he would become one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history
Why Count Down to March 20th?
Whether you're planning ahead, celebrating a tradition, or marking a personal milestone, tracking the countdown to March 20th helps you prepare and build anticipation. Use CountDay.org to:
- Never miss important dates and plan accordingly
- Build excitement as the day approaches
- Share the countdown with friends and family
- Set reminders and prepare for celebrations
- Track multiple countdowns in one convenient place