Today is an auspicious day and an important one throughout history. If you haven’t noticed its March 15, a date otherwise known as the Ides of March and why should 2010 be any different from other Ides of March days. If you want to know the history and meaning of this expression look no further.

So what is the significance of March 15? Historically the ides was a day in the Roman calendar marking roughly the centre of the month, but it’s perhaps better known for an event that occurred in 44 B.C., the date that Julius Caesar was killed. A very notorious phrase to do with the Ides of March, or Idus Martias, stems from the Shakespeare play of ‘Julius Caesar’, when Caesar was warned, “Beware of the Ides of March”.

However it also became known for another event, an ancient yearly festival devoted to the god Mars. Another historic event that happened on the date was the abdication of Nicholas II of Russia in 1917. Nowadays rather than people being wary of the date and what may happen, we are more likely to notice spring is imminent, St. Patricks day is in two days time and ‘March Madness’ occurs.

The 1848 Revolution in Hungary is also marked with a national holiday on this date, and in Japan it’s the date for Harvest Festival. For more information on this historic date go to huffingtonpost.com.