I ASSUME that most people know March was named by the Romans for Mars the God of War.

But I did not know it was the first month in the Roman calendar and the month they chose to begin their military campaigns.

No doubt with the weather warming up the legions felt more like branching out to conquer the unknown. You can’t blame them – it must have been a bit discouraging to have the wind whistling up your toga and rain trickling off your helmet once you landed here.

This half of March brings us into the 12th house and last sign of the Zodiac Pisces, which covers the period from February 20 to March 20. It is said that Pisceans have a gentle, patient, friendly, compassionate and sensitive nature and are usually blessed with good looks. March’s birthstone is either aquamarine, or bloodstone and stands for courage, and its flower emblem is Narcissus.

The spring flower Narcissus is named after the vain boy of Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection.

St David’s Day was March 1.

Welsh-born St David apparently lived for 100 years and when he died the church was filled with angels. That’s what I call a good send off.

Later this month the world will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day, as far as I can tell he seems to be the most popular of saints when it comes to celebrating. Did he banish snakes from Ireland? Probably not, it was more likely that the legend grew from the Christian take-over of the Druids who were fond of serpents as symbols.

On my walk today I didn’t see any snakes but my eyes were treated to the sight of buds peeking from the ends of branches and everywhere flora and fauna showing signs of new growth. Little green shoots have pushed through the earth and even the daffs are budding. The new hedgerows are white with fresh saw marks and birds dipping in and out looking for nesting material.

It’s all happening. All hail the birth of spring. It can’t come soon enough for me.