Ides of March: What is its history and why does it have negative connotations?

Beware the Ides of March is an actual quote from William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar back in 1599.

In the play, the warning is used twice, with the soothsayer telling Caeser to avoid an upcoming Senate taking place on March 15, which culminated in his betrayal and subsequent death.

Over the centuries, the phrase has become part of popular lore and has gloomy connotations.

But why is March 15 regarded in this way?

What is the warning behind the Ides of March?

Despite Julius Caeser changing the new year from March 15 to January two years before his death, the expression is found to have a far less sinister history.

In the ancient Roman calendar, the months consisted of three distinctive markers, namely the Kalends, Nones, and the Ides.

The Kalends were the first day of the month, the Nones were usually between the fifth and seventh of the month, with the Ides being mostly on the 15^th but occasionally on the 13^th, also referring to the new moon of the given month.

Despite the Ides of March signifying the date related to lunar phases, the phrase has often been met with a sinister connotation thanks in part to many Hollywood films and television series.

Ides of March negative connotations

Many episodes of popular television shows have been entitled the Ides of March.

This includes the 90s classic Party of Five, with the titled episode featuring a drug-related death and a near accident involving alcohol.

In The Simpsons episode ‘Homer the Great’, Homer was seen entering a secret society called the Stonecutters, leading to his self-proclamation as a god due to his rising power.

Much like Caeser’s downfall, Homer’s daughter Lisa became the soothsayer warning of his demise and pronouncing, “Beware the Ides of March”, with Homer hilariously replying a simple “no”.

The Ides of March was also the name of a film starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, again bearing a similar reference to Caeser, with backstabbing and dirty politics.

Regardless of its connotations, it is likely March 15 will forever be known as the Ides of March.