By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
We’ve all heard March is “In like a lion; out like a lamb.” Where did the saying come from, and what does it mean? Curiosity got the best of me, and I put on my Google hat for a research expedition that explores the month of March.
The Farmers’ Almanac states if March comes in like a lion—roaring with snow, ice, blustery winds, and cold temps—the month will end on a gentle, spring note.
History shows the origin in astrology with Leo as the lion, but I found that hard to comprehend since April 1 is the sign of Aries symbolized by a ram, which is an adult male sheep. I prefer viewing Jesus as a sacrificial lamb.
In my exploration, I read that Jesus came to earth as a lamb but will return as the Lion of Judah. But that’s backward from the myth.
My childhood days were spent in Ohio, and I remember March weather closing school due to snow. I also remember watching nature unfold with budding plants shooting through the earth.
I’m a quotes gal, and the treasure chest of March quotes kept me enthralled. Here are a few of my favorites.
- “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” Charles Dickens
- “March bustles in on windy feet and sweeps my doorstep and my street.” Susan Reiner
- “March came in that winter like the meekest and mildest of lambs, bringing days that were crisp and golden and tingling, each followed by a frosty pink twilight which gradually lost itself in an elfland of moonshine.” L.M. Montgomery
As a mother of boys, this quote below made me smile and reminisce when my sons were much younger.
- “March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes, and a laugh in her voice.” Hal Borland
- “Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “I love March as it gives me hope that new beginnings are always beautiful.” Anamika Mishra
- “By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again.” Neil Gaiman
What is your favorite part of March? Share with us!
Comments 34
DiAnn, I’m with you about keeping the same time year round. I enjoy the uncertainty of March weather–okay, no hulls from the peanut gallery, I admit to being weird. Here in the NC mountains, we can expect all four seasons on any given day. Not necessarily receive them, you understand, just expect them and face the challenge of getting dressed!
Peggy, Oh – and when I think of the time change this weekend, I’m pitiful!
We’re MARCH………….ing to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion…..We’re marching (onward..or..upward) to Zion. That beautiful City of God!!!…:~))
Vondia, you have me singing! Thank you!
The link you sent worked. Thanks. Keep writing good books.
Nancy Allen
Nancy, so glad the link worked.
New beginnings. Our wedding anniversary is March 14. (Actually, old beginnings — 54 years!)
Kay, happy anniversary. Congrats on 54 years!!
Many will disagree with me, but I love the return to Daylight Savings Time.
Oh, Cindy, I’m groaning! But I’m glad you enjoy the time change. 🙂 Actually, if the time could simply stay the same, then I’d be happy.
Thank you for the quotes. Do you have a new novel coming out soon? I believe I have almost read all of your books.
I always heard the saying about March – either it will come in as a lamb and go out as a lion or visa versa. That saying is in a song in the musical, Oklahoma!
Linda, I’d forgotten the saying was in Oklahoma. Now I have an excucse to watch it again!
Love Oklahoma!, the musical. 😁
Fun post! Thanks Ms. DiAnn.
J. D., you are so kind to respond. I appreciate you!
I love that Dickens quote because it is so spot-on. Great post, DiAnn.
Oh, thank you, Kristine. Thanks for your comment! And we do love Dickens.
Love the quotes!
My mom always said The Weather:
“ wait 5 minutes, it will change”
That’s the Buckeye way. And I find it’s true here in Texas.
Thank you for always brightening our minds and imagination.
Sunshine to you and keep smiling.
Thanks, Joyce! Where in Ohio?
Ashland
Good ol country living!
Tree’s tapped for syrup
Amish buggies for a reality check.
And quiet!
Beautiful Ohio!
I grew up in the Bucyrus area.
Beautiful Ohio
My flowers are beginning to pop up in my flower beds. And the breeze is warming.
Aw, Paula, I love spring and here in Houston, the weather is amazing. Thanks!
Good morning, I like March because it is when alot of the plants start springing up and they get new growth, which means some plants will be flowering soon. Have a great day and a great week.
Alicia, like you, I adore watching new growth spring from the earth. Daily, I’m checking for green and flowers.
Daffodils, budding trees, and a change in the sunlight always bring the anticipation of new life. I love that where I live, the earth proclaims the hope of the resurrection.
Debbie, thank you for reminding all of us that new life in spring is like new life with Jesus. No wonder we love spring!
Just when you think all your trees and plants are dead, new beautiful blossoms begin to form on those. Great to watch God’s wonderful creations unfold in the month of March.
Beth, I agree with you! One day, everything is brown, and the next day we see shoots of green. Love it!
I love all these quotes about March, DiAnn. March 1st is my birthday, so the month has always been special to me.
Blessings!
Martha, happy belated birthday. Be sure to celebrate all month. My dad’s birthday was March 2nd, so the month is special to me too.
It’s Nancy, not Martha. Hope your father celebrated well also. My small immediate family will celebrate on March 9th. My son’s “b” is the 8th and he was born on his grandmother’s birthday 58 years ago. WE are a small family, me, my son and daughter and her husband; two grandsons (who live out of town). No great-grands as yet. But I thank God for every day of life. I was born a premie, weighed only 2 lbs 7 oz 88 years ago. But God had motivated a medical student to make an incubator which was my home for the next 3 1/2 months. God had a plan for my life. I thank Him daily for his blessings on my life.
Nancy Allen
Oregon, WI (near Madison, WI)