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March 2

March 2 is the sixty-first day of the year (sixty-second in leap years) in the , with 304 days remaining until the year's end. In the U.S. state of , it is officially observed as , commemorating the unanimous adoption of the from by delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 2, 1836. This event initiated the , culminating in the establishment of the as an independent nation, which existed until its annexation by the in 1845. The declaration, drafted primarily by George Childress and signed by 59 representatives over subsequent days, asserted Texas's right to self-governance amid disputes over centralist policies imposed by Mexican President .

Events

Pre-1600

1127: (c. 1083–1127), from 1119, was assassinated on March 2 in the Church of St. Donatian in by a conspiracy of nobles led by the Erembald family, who feared his reforms would diminish their power. Born as the son of King , Charles had ruled with a focus on justice, including policies to curb noble abuses and support the poor, which earned him posthumous beatification by the in 1904. His murder triggered a , leading to and foreign interventions that destabilized the county until William Clito's short-lived reign ended in 1128. Contemporary chronicler Galbert of documented the event in detail, providing primary evidence of the plot's motives rooted in feudal tensions rather than broader ideological conflicts. No other pre-1600 deaths on March 2 of comparably impactful figures are prominently recorded in historical annals, with surviving records from ancient and medieval periods often lacking precise alignments for lesser or .

1601–1900

*'''1619''' – (b. 1574), queen consort of I of and influential patron of the arts, died at in at age 44 from illness. Her death diminished Danish alliances in English court politics and highlighted the fragility of royal health amid dynastic pressures. *'''1729''' – Francesco Bianchini (b. 1662), Italian philosopher, astronomer, and architect who advanced and , died in at age 66. His passing ended contributions to early planetary mapping, including detailed lunar observations that informed subsequent celestial studies. *'''1791''' – John Wesley (b. 1703), English cleric and evangelist who co-founded and organized widespread field preaching circuits, died in at age 87 after a brief illness. His death concluded a career that mobilized over 100,000 followers through empirical revivalism, shifting religious practice toward personal piety and social reform in and colonies. *'''1797''' – Horace Walpole (b. 1717), British writer, antiquarian, and Whig politician who coined "serendipity" and pioneered the Gothic novel with , died at at age 79. His demise closed an epoch of epistolary influence and architectural innovation, with his faux-Gothic villa exemplifying neoclassical experimentation. *'''1835''' – Francis II (b. 1768), the last (as Francis II) and (as Francis I), died in at age 67 from a . His death symbolized the dissolution of imperial absolutism post-Napoleonic reconfiguration, paving empirical transitions in Habsburg governance toward constitutional experiments under successors. *'''1840''' – Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers (b. 1758), German physician and astronomer who discovered the asteroids Pallas and Vesta and formulated Olbers' paradox on the dark night sky, died in Bremen at age 81. His passing halted inquiries into cosmic structure that challenged uniform infinite universe models, influencing later astrophysical debates. *'''1855''' – Nicholas I (b. 1796), Emperor of Russia from 1825, died in St. Petersburg at age 58 from pneumonia amid Crimean War defeats. His autocratic rule, enforcing 19th-century conservatism, exposed military and administrative rigidities, directly enabling Alexander II's emancipation of serfs in 1861 and broader reforms. *'''1895''' – (b. 1841), French Impressionist painter and core member of the movement alongside Monet and Renoir, died in at age 54 from contracted while nursing her daughter. Her death curtailed innovations in plein-air techniques and female perspectives in art, with over 400 works documenting domestic causality in light and color.

1901–present

Births

Pre-1600

1127: (c. 1083–1127), from 1119, was assassinated on March 2 in the Church of St. Donatian by a conspiracy of nobles led by the Erembald family, who feared his reforms would diminish their power. Born as the son of King , Charles had ruled with a focus on justice, including policies to curb noble abuses and support the poor, which earned him posthumous beatification by the in 1904. His murder triggered a succession crisis, leading to civil war and foreign interventions that destabilized the county until William Clito's short-lived reign ended in 1128. Contemporary chronicler Galbert of documented the event in detail, providing primary evidence of the plot's motives rooted in feudal tensions rather than broader ideological conflicts. No other pre-1600 deaths on March 2 of comparably impactful figures are prominently recorded in historical annals, with surviving records from ancient and medieval periods often lacking precise alignments for lesser or .

1601–1900

*'''1619''' – (b. 1574), of King James I of and influential patron of the arts, died at in at age 44 from illness. Her death diminished Danish alliances in English court politics and highlighted the fragility of royal health amid dynastic pressures. *'''1729''' – Francesco Bianchini (b. 1662), Italian philosopher, astronomer, and architect who advanced and , died in at age 66. His passing ended contributions to early planetary mapping, including detailed lunar observations that informed subsequent celestial studies. *'''1791''' – John Wesley (b. 1703), English cleric and evangelist who co-founded and organized widespread field preaching circuits, died in at age 87 after a brief illness. His death concluded a career that mobilized over 100,000 followers through empirical revivalism, shifting religious practice toward personal piety and social reform in and colonies. *'''1797''' – Horace Walpole (b. 1717), British writer, antiquarian, and Whig politician who coined "serendipity" and pioneered the Gothic novel with , died at at age 79. His demise closed an epoch of epistolary influence and architectural innovation, with his faux-Gothic villa exemplifying neoclassical experimentation. *'''1835''' – Francis II (b. 1768), the last (as Francis II) and (as Francis I), died in at age 67 from a . His death symbolized the dissolution of imperial absolutism post-Napoleonic reconfiguration, paving empirical transitions in Habsburg governance toward constitutional experiments under successors. *'''1840''' – Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers (b. 1758), German physician and astronomer who discovered the asteroids Pallas and Vesta and formulated Olbers' paradox on the dark night sky, died in Bremen at age 81. His passing halted inquiries into cosmic structure that challenged uniform infinite universe models, influencing later astrophysical debates. *'''1855''' – Nicholas I (b. 1796), Emperor of Russia from 1825, died in St. Petersburg at age 58 from pneumonia amid Crimean War defeats. His autocratic rule, enforcing 19th-century conservatism, exposed military and administrative rigidities, directly enabling Alexander II's emancipation of serfs in 1861 and broader reforms. *'''1895''' – (b. 1841), French Impressionist painter and core member of the movement alongside Monet and Renoir, died in at age 54 from contracted while nursing her daughter. Her death curtailed innovations in plein-air techniques and female perspectives in art, with over 400 works documenting domestic causality in light and color.

1901–present

Deaths

Pre-1600

1127: (c. 1083–1127), from 1119, was assassinated on March 2 in the Church of St. Donatian in by a conspiracy of nobles led by the Erembald family, who feared his reforms would diminish their power. Born as the son of King , Charles had ruled with a focus on justice, including policies to curb noble abuses and support the poor, which earned him posthumous beatification by the in 1904. His murder triggered a succession crisis, leading to civil war and foreign interventions that destabilized the county until William Clito's short-lived reign ended in 1128. Contemporary chronicler Galbert of documented the event in detail, providing primary evidence of the plot's motives rooted in feudal tensions rather than broader ideological conflicts. No other pre-1600 deaths on March 2 of comparably impactful figures are prominently recorded in historical annals, with surviving records from ancient and medieval periods often lacking precise alignments for lesser or .

1601–1900

*'''1619''' – (b. 1574), queen consort of I of England and influential patron of the arts, died at in at age 44 from illness. Her death diminished Danish alliances in English court politics and highlighted the fragility of royal health amid dynastic pressures. *'''1729''' – Francesco Bianchini (b. 1662), Italian philosopher, astronomer, and architect who advanced and , died in at age 66. His passing ended contributions to early planetary mapping, including detailed lunar observations that informed subsequent celestial studies. *'''1791''' – John Wesley (b. 1703), English cleric and evangelist who co-founded and organized widespread field preaching circuits, died in at age 87 after a brief illness. His death concluded a career that mobilized over 100,000 followers through empirical revivalism, shifting religious practice toward personal piety and social reform in Britain and colonies. *'''1797''' – Horace Walpole (b. 1717), British writer, antiquarian, and Whig politician who coined "serendipity" and pioneered the Gothic novel with , died at at age 79. His demise closed an epoch of epistolary influence and architectural innovation, with his faux-Gothic villa exemplifying neoclassical experimentation. *'''1835''' – Francis II (b. 1768), the last (as Francis II) and (as Francis I), died in at age 67 from a . His death symbolized the dissolution of imperial absolutism post-Napoleonic reconfiguration, paving empirical transitions in Habsburg governance toward constitutional experiments under successors. *'''1840''' – Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers (b. 1758), German physician and astronomer who discovered the asteroids Pallas and Vesta and formulated Olbers' paradox on the dark night sky, died in Bremen at age 81. His passing halted inquiries into cosmic structure that challenged uniform infinite universe models, influencing later astrophysical debates. *'''1855''' – Nicholas I (b. 1796), Emperor of Russia from 1825, died in St. Petersburg at age 58 from pneumonia amid Crimean War defeats. His autocratic rule, enforcing 19th-century conservatism, exposed military and administrative rigidities, directly enabling Alexander II's emancipation of serfs in 1861 and broader reforms. *'''1895''' – (b. 1841), French Impressionist painter and core member of the movement alongside Monet and Renoir, died in at age 54 from contracted while nursing her daughter. Her death curtailed innovations in plein-air techniques and female perspectives in art, with over 400 works documenting domestic causality in light and color.

1901–present

Holidays and observances

National and cultural holidays

is observed annually on March 2 in to commemorate the , where Ethiopian forces under defeated an Italian invading army on March 1–2, 1896, thereby averting colonization and affirming national sovereignty. This victory, achieved through superior numbers, terrain knowledge, and unified mobilization of approximately 100,000 Ethiopian troops against 17,000 , stands as a pivotal moment in African resistance to European imperialism. Texas Independence Day marks March 2, 1836, when delegates at the Convention of 1836 in Washington-on-the-Brazos unanimously adopted and signed the from , establishing the amid grievances over centralist policies and cultural impositions. Recognized as an official state in Texas, it is commemorated with reenactments, parades, and educational events emphasizing the role of 59 signers in pursuing self-governance, though it is not a paid holiday for state employees. Baloch Culture Day, held on March 2, celebrates the ethnic heritage of the primarily in Pakistan's province and among diaspora communities, featuring traditional attire such as the paag turban and , , poetry recitals, and craft exhibitions to preserve linguistic and customary identity. Originating as a initiative, the observance promotes cultural pride through rallies and performances, countering pressures while highlighting Balochi literature and resilience without formal national holiday status in .

Religious observances

In , March 2 is the feast day of Saint Chad of Mercia (c. 634–672), the seventh-century Anglo-Saxon and who advanced efforts among the Mercian and Lindsey peoples following his appointment by King . Chad, younger brother of Saint Cedd, emphasized ascetic practices and evangelism in the region, establishing monastic communities before his death from after a brief episcopate. His commemoration, observed in Roman Catholic and Anglican calendars, highlights his role in consolidating in central England, with relics historically housed at . In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, March 2 serves as Forgiveness Sunday in years when it aligns with the last Sunday before , such as 2025, marking the conclusion of Cheesefare Week with services centered on mutual and rituals to foster ahead of the Lenten fast. Participants exchange phrases like "Forgive me, a sinner" to emulate Christ's teachings on forgiveness, drawing from readings on enmity and judgment. In the Bahá'í Faith, March 2 corresponds to the Feast of 'Alá (Loftiness), the communal gathering on the first day of the nineteenth and final month of the Bahá'í calendar, which begins the —a period of daily sunrise-to-sunset from food and drink for adults aged 15 to 70, aimed at spiritual detachment and prayer. This observance, part of the nineteen monthly Feasts held every 19 days, involves devotional, consultative, and social elements among local communities.

Secular and fun observances

National Read Across America Day, also known as Day, occurs annually on March 2 to promote literacy and reading enthusiasm, coinciding with the birthday of , born March 2, 1904. The initiative, supported by educational organizations, encourages schools, libraries, and communities to engage in reading activities featuring Geisel's works, such as , to foster . National Banana Cream Pie Day, observed on March 2, celebrates the dessert consisting of a pastry crust filled with slices and topped with . This lighthearted observance highlights culinary traditions, prompting participants to bake or enjoy the pie as a nostalgic treat. National Old Stuff Day falls on March 2, urging individuals to examine and declutter accumulated possessions, rediscover sentimental items, or replace outdated belongings with new ones. The day emphasizes reflection on personal habits, encouraging or appreciation of objects through activities like garage sorting. International Rescue Cat Day, marked on March 2, raises awareness for adopting cats, spotlighting the benefits of rescuing felines over purchasing pedigreed ones. Advocates promote the event to highlight , noting that millions of cats enter U.S. s annually, with adoption reducing euthanasia rates where supported by spay/neuter programs.

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