The month ’March’ marked by the Bloodstone gem and the beautiful jonquil flowers, the word March comes from ancient Rome named after Martius, the God of War which shows why the bloodstone is the gem of March. Originally March was the first month of the Roman calendar until we changed to the 'New Style' or 'Gregorian Calendar' in 1752 and it is only since then the year began on January 1st. 

                        Many other cultures and religions still celebrate the beginning of the New Year in March. InRome, where the climate isMediterranean, March was the first month of spring, a logical point for the beginning of the year as well as the start of the military campaign season. The Anglo-Saxons however called the month Hlyd or Hraed meaning stormy or rugged. 

The month of March though one of the longest months of the years is said to have borrowed the last three days from April.  One of the flowers associated with March is the Narcissus (The Wild Daffodil) which has been made famous by William Wordsworth in his poem 'Daffodils'. The flower named after the boy in Greek mythology, who was changed into the flower. It is also known as the 'Lent Lilly' because it blooms in early spring usually dropping after  Easter. 

An interesting tradition which happened in the month of March when the river Thames inLondonwas wider than it was now, barges carrying oranges and lemons landed just below the churchyard of St. Clements Dane. On the last day of March, local primary school children gathered to attend a church service followed by reciting the famous nursery rhyme  “Orangesand lemons  Say the bells of St. Clements'

At the end of the service the children were presented with an orange and a lemon. Concluding with one of the famous sayings about March . ‘March winds and April Showers Bring forth May flowers'.