Martius, named for Mars, the ancient symbol of war and strength, is a month of martial celebration and preparation. It honors the Emperor’s warriors, the Primarchs, and the eternal vigilance of the Imperium. It is a time for forging weapons, blessing soldiers, and renewing oaths of battle.
1st Day:
Martialis Dies (Day of the War Eternal)
- Marks the beginning of the month dedicated to war. Celebrations involve the blessing of weapons, armor, and war machines. The Adeptus Mechanicus performs rites of maintenance on Imperial wargear, while soldiers rededicate themselves to the Emperor.
7th Day:
Dies Ferri Sancti (Day of the Holy Blade)
- Honors the artisans who forge the weapons of the Imperium. Forgemasters, Techpriests, and armorers receive blessings to ensure their creations serve faithfully in the wars to come.
9th Day:
Dies Honoris Custodes (Day of the Custodians)
- A day of reverence for the Adeptus Custodes, the Emperor’s golden guardians. Shrines across Terra and other holy worlds host ceremonies to honor their ceaseless vigilance.
15th Day:
Ides of the Martyr Primarchs
- Dedicated to the martyred Primarchs who fell in the service of the Emperor during the Horus Heresy. Special reverence is given to Sanguinius, with processions reenacting his heroic stand at the Eternity Gate.
17th Day:
Liberalia Martialis (Feast of Martial Freedom)
- Celebrates the liberation of oppressed Imperial worlds. Veterans of planetary liberation campaigns are honored, and prayers are offered to saints who led such victories.
19th Day:
Quinquatria Minervae (Rites of the Stratagem)
- A day devoted to Minerva Stratega, a lesser-known saint of military tactics. Imperial commanders and tacticians conduct rituals to invoke clarity of thought and victory in battle.
21st Day:
Dies Triumphalis Legiones (Day of the Legions’ Triumph)
- Honors the Space Marine Legions, both past and present. Chapters such as the Ultramarines, Blood Angels, and Imperial Fists hold ceremonies to reflect on their victories and renew their vows of service to the Imperium.
23rd Day:
Tubilustrium Sancti (Purification of the Warhorns)
- A solemn ritual performed by Ecclesiarchy and Adeptus Mechanicus priests to cleanse and bless the warhorns of titans, artillery signals, and voidship klaxons. Symbolizes the harmony between technology and faith.
31st Day:
Dies Sanctum Luna (Day of the Blessed Moon)
- Commemorates the dedication of the first Imperial lunar stronghold, symbolizing the Emperor’s victory over pre-Imperial factions in the Sol System. Pilgrims light silver light baubles and offer prayers for fortifications across the galaxy.
Significance of Martius
Martius is a month steeped in warlike devotion, celebrating the might of the Emperor’s forces and the unity of faith and firepower. From the blessings of weapons to the veneration of the Primarchs, it reinforces the Imperium’s relentless pursuit of victory in the Emperor’s name.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 