To assure you get this personally (Was: SC - the gauntlet thrown)

[Micaylah]

Shall we all wear leeks in our hats to show solidarity today?
Christianna


MARCH 1
Matronalia, New Year's Day - Ancient Rome - March was named for Mars, and
was sacred to both Mars and Juno, wife of Jupiter.  Juno is the presiding
deity of the first day of the year, and of the year as a whole.  She is
seen as a matron, and a virgin mother. The Kalends of March were the last
day of what came to be called Carnival, the period of celebration from
the Terminalia to this symbolic first day of Spring.  Celebrated until
154 BCE. Celebrated in Venice until 1797. 

Festival of Mars - Ancient Rome - Mars is seen as both war-like and as
the personification of protection of the state, along with agricultural
and business success of the community.   On this day, Mars' Birthday, the
priests of His temple would carry shields and leap and dance through the
streets.  This celebration would continue until March 24th.  

St. David's Feast Day (4th Cent)  Patron Saint of Wales & Poets. His
symbol is the leek, probably because he ate a lot of leeks as part of his
vegetarian diet.  He established many monasteries and  performed some
miracles. This date commemorates a Welsh victory over the English, when
they wore leeks in their hats to identify their countrymen.

St. Swithbert's Feast Day (8th Cent) Patron Invoked against Angina.
English missionary to the Friesians (southern Holland). 

Whuppity Scoorie Day - Scotland - Church bells start ringing at 6am on
March 1st after being silent all winter long. Children race around the
church with string attached to a paper ball, whirling them at other
racers.  Origins of this custom are lost, but may have been to drive out
winter and evil spirits.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Founded (1565)
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