Is March 15th the most Unlucky Day?

 

Beware the Ides of March

I can still remember 10th grade English class when Mr. Cavis came in saying in his best theatrical voice, ¨Beware the Ides of March.” Our 10th grade curriculum had us covering Julius Caesar so it was fitting to explain the reference.  

The Ides of March, a specific reference to Shakespeareś Julius Caesar play, where Caesar is warned by a soothsayer about what is to come has relevance today. It is interesting that Caesar was given a similar warning by three people and did not really listen or choose to do anything different regarding his fate. On March 15th, Caesar went about his business, attended a big gathering and sure enough was assassinated. 

The lessons we can take from the Ides of March reference are timeless and have immediate relevance. For example,  If a few people are warning or telling you the same thing, maybe it is worth listening to and at least considering the message. Secondly, just because something bad happened on a particular day like (March 15th, or September 11th), it does not mean that the day is forever unlucky. In history terrible things happened on March 15th. And, March 15th is the date of some amazing things. Whatever you look for, you will find. 

Ever since March 15th, in 1994, when I first heard about the Ides of March, I have looked forward to this day each year. It is edgy and interesting. This year, I had my students research the day and what happened. Today, I talked briefly about it with the lessons that can be taken from the historical reference. Maybe my students will remember the Ides of March or at least some of the lessons that can be taken from it. 

I believe meaning can be made anywhere any time. And, it is up to us to make our own luck. Sometimes what seems unlucky might just turn out to be lucky!