The name March comes from Mars, who was the Roman god of war. The Saxons called this “rough month”, because of the blustery weather it brought. Later Anglo-Saxons called it Lenet Monath, and in old English it was called Lide.
March is the first month of spring. He is Nature’s Old Forester, going through the woods and dotting the trees with green, to mark out the spots where the future leaves are to be hung.
“The sun throws a golden glory over the eastern hills, as the village clock from the ivy covered tower tolls six, gilding the hands and the figures that were scarcely visible two hours later a few weeks ago. The streams now hurry along with a rapid motion, as if they . . . were eager to rush along the green meadow-lands to tell the flowers it is time to awaken.”
A Few March Sayings:
“Dry March, wet May,
Plenty of corn, plenty of hay.
Wet March, dry May,
Little corn, little hay.”
A peck of March dust is worth a King’s ransom.
When it thunders in March, one must say alas.
“A windy March foretells a fine May.”
The March sun raiseth, but dissolveth not.
March dust on an Apple leaf
Brings all kinds of fruit to grief.
“March damp and warm
Will do farmer much harm.”
March borrows of April
Three days, and they are ill;
April borrows of March again
Three days of wind and rain.
In beginning or in end
March its gifts will send.
“Married when March winds shrill and roar,
Your home will be on a distant shore.”
A dry and cold March never begs for bread.
March comes in like a lion
And goes out like a lamb.
“March winds and April showers
Bring forth May flowers.”
As many mists in March as there are frosts in May.
If from fleas you would be free
On the first of March let all your windows closed be.