March is here at last, but the weather is still cold and gloomy - I hope the old proverb proves right. At least we've had a break from the rain for a while!
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady tells me that March used to be the first month in the year, up until 1752. It was called Martius by the Romans, after the god Mars, while the Anglo Saxons called it 'Hlyd Monath' or 'loud/stormy month'.
Whatever sound and fury might be in store for us, at least the green has started again, and the days are lengthening still.
Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"