In like a LION, out like a LAMB

Photo taken of sunset on March 1st, 2011.

Yesterday was March 1st, 2011

We've all heard the old saying: "If March roars in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb."

But is there truly any validity to this old proverb?

March is a very fickle month with a lot of changeable weather, due to the fact that it occurs during a time of transition as our weather is shifting from Winter to the Spring season.

So, in some respects, this idiom makes sense. The weather can flip-flop, going from a late-season snow storm one moment to unusally warm spring-like temperatures in just a matter of days. Figuratively speaking, the weather can at times switch from being harsh like a lion to being calm and docile like a lamb.

It turns out, though, that the actual saying may be more derived from astronomy than meteorology. During the beginning of March, the constellation Leo (the Lion) is more prominent in the night sky, while at the end of March, the constellation Aries (the Ram or Lamb) is more visible.

Regardless of its origin, the old proverb is certainly curious and, in some instances, it actually rings true. But, scientifically and meteorologically speaking, there is no concrete evidence that if March comes in like a lion, it will leave like a lamb.

On a spiritual level, Christ has been referred to a both the Lion and the Lamb. He came in the meridian of time as a lamb, but will come in his glory as a Lion. The Millenium will be a time when both the Lion and the Lamb will lay down together.