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Wisdom of the Daffodils
Written By: William McReynolds - Highlands Plateau Audubon Society | Issue: March-2022 | Photograph By: William McReynolds
The Wisdom of the Daffodils offer a positive message for the days ahead.
March is a transition month, the end of leonine winter and beginning of ovine spring.
The two seasons cross paths in March, a meeting captured iconically in the appearance of heraldic daffodils held briefly in the soft embrace of a wet spring snow: How lovely the floral trumpets; how pure the snows of hope.
Here on the Plateau, we are ready for spring, ready for a new, bright future. We welcome March as surely as we welcome spring. This welcoming spirit has been captured by one of America’s favorite poets:
To March
by Emily Dickinson
Dear March, come in!
How glad I am!
I looked for you before.
Put down your hat —
You must have walked —
How out of breath you are!
Dear March, how are you?
And the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh, March, come right upstairs with me,
I have so much to tell!
So much, indeed, of our best hopes for the wholesome days of yore.
The welcomed days of March include Mardi Gras, a secular celebration in the U.S. since 1699. French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras on March 1 is traditionally a day of parties, balls and parades before Ash Wednesday and a period of fasting and repentance among observing Catholics.
March 6 is National Oreo Day. This world-famous American cookie first came out of the ovens of the National Biscuit Company, later Nabisco, in 1912. Some children eat their Oreos from the inside out. Others dip them in milk with a smile. Yum.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8. Backed by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union in 1909, this day recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women. How impressive you are, ladies, and how dear you are to all of us.
March 16 brings Purim, a joyful Jewish holiday celebrating the sparing of Jewish lives in ancient Persia. The 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day, recognizing the Patron Saint of Ireland, and celebrating Irish pride.
The Vernal Equinox, marking the beginning of spring, occurs on March 20. On this day there is an equal amount of daytime and nighttime. A week later come the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, NAACP Awards, and World Theatre Day.
Welcome March!
