March is a strange and liminal time—the bridge between winter’s final grip and the first real signs of spring. The wind is restless, the ground is waking up, and ancient traditions remind us that this is a month of change, renewal, and balance. As we step into this season, I wanted to share some of my favorite spring folklore—little bits of old wisdom that remind us how deeply connected we are to the cycles of the earth.
The March Hare
If you’ve ever spotted a hare darting across a field in early spring, consider it a sign of good luck. In Celtic and European folklore, hares were seen as mystical creatures tied to the moon, fertility, and transformation. They were thought to carry messages from the Otherworld, and harming one was believed to bring misfortune.
March Winds & Sweeping Away the Old
There’s an old saying: “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.” But these winds were once seen as more than just a sign of shifting weather—they were cleansing forces, blowing away the last remnants of winter’s stagnation. In folk traditions, March was a time to sweep the home, clear out clutter, and shake off the heaviness of the colder months. People would even throw open their doors to let the wind carry away bad luck.
It makes me think of how we, too, feel restless in early spring—ready to shake things up, to move forward, to invite something new.
The Rowan Tree’s Protective Blessing
If you ever feel like adding a little folk magic to your springtime routine, consider the Rowan tree. In Scottish and Irish lore, Rowan was believed to protect against misfortune and negative spirits.March was the time when Rowan twigs were tied above doors, planted near homes, or carried as charms to bless the household for the year ahead. Rowan berries were also said to be marked with a tiny five-pointed star, a sign of their protective power.
Waking the Bees & the First Signs of Life
In Slavic and Germanic traditions, early March was a time to wake the bees—literally. Beekeepers would knock gently on their hives and whisper blessings to encourage the bees to wake up and return.Bees have always been seen as sacred messengers of abundance and prosperity, and their return in spring meant a fertile and fruitful year ahead.
I love this small, quiet ritual. It reminds us that spring doesn’t arrive with a loud declaration—it awakens gently. It stirs in the roots, in the warmth of the sun, in the slow but certain return of life.
The Hungry Gap & Spring’s First Greens
March was once known as the “Hungry Gap”—that difficult stretch where stored winter food was running low, but new crops hadn’t yet matured. It was a time of scarcity, patience, and making do with what was available. But the first edible greens—nettles, dandelions, and early herbs—were considered gifts from the earth. These plants were believed to cleanse the body and restore vitality, making them an integral part of folk medicine. It’s fascinating how nature gives us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.
The Cailleach’s Final Stand
In Scottish folklore, the Cailleach, the Winter Hag, ruled the land until spring. She carried a staff that froze the ground, keeping winter in place. But as the days warmed, she threw her staff beneath a holly tree and transformed into stone, marking the moment spring officially won.
I love the imagery of this—winter fighting to hold on but eventually surrendering. Maybe we all have a little Cailleach in us, clinging to what’s familiar, even as we know it’s time to embrace the change.
March is unpredictable, wild, and full of possibility. It’s a time of transitions, endings, and beginnings, when the world feels like it’s holding its breath before bursting into bloom.
So, as we step into this season, maybe we let the wind take what no longer serves us. Maybe we plant something—an intention, a dream, a seed. Maybe we welcome the shift, knowing that new life always comes, even after the longest winter.
Magickal Herbs Altar Jars
$ 195.00
These altar jars measure 6 inches in height and each contain an herb. These are organic herbs and are intended for ritual or decorative use.… read more
