Meaning & Analysis
The proverb describes the typical weather pattern for the month of March, which often begins with cold, stormy, winter-like conditions and ends with the mild, calm weather of early spring.
Insights
Transformation and Resolution
The proverb symbolizes any process of transformation that begins with intensity, conflict, or difficulty (the lion) and concludes with peace, gentleness, or resolution (the lamb).
Hope and Renewal
It serves as a metaphor for hope and renewal, suggesting that periods of adversity and struggle are temporary and will inevitably give way to tranquility and new beginnings.
Duality of Nature
The proverb illustrates the dual nature of many things in life, such as people, relationships, or situations, which can possess both fierce and gentle characteristics at different times.
Natural Cycles
It reflects the predictable, cyclical patterns found in nature and life, where harsh phases are naturally followed by milder ones, offering reassurance that difficult times will pass.
Meteorological Folk Wisdom
Rooted in meteorological observations of the Northern Hemisphere, the proverb serves as folk wisdom for predicting the transition from winter's end to spring's beginning. The Fletcher quotation from 1647 demonstrates its early metaphorical use to describe a bold start and a meek end.
Symbolic Archetypes
The proverb draws on the powerful, contrasting symbolism of the lion (representing ferocity, strength, and winter's harshness) and the lamb (a symbol of gentleness, innocence, and the new life of spring), which has deep roots in classical and biblical traditions.
Psychology of Hope
The proverb encapsulates a hopeful psychological outlook, framing adversity as a temporary state that naturally resolves into peace. It reflects a human need to find predictable, comforting patterns in the face of chaotic or difficult experiences.
Rhetorical Devices
Simile
The proverb is built on two strong similes ('like a lion', 'like a lamb'), which create vivid and opposing images to describe the month's character.
Antithesis
It employs a powerful antithesis by contrasting the month's beginning ('comes in') with its end ('goes out') and the ferocity of the 'lion' with the gentleness of the 'lamb', making the expression balanced and memorable.
Personification
The month of March is personified, given the active abilities to 'come in' and 'go out' as if it were a living entity, enhancing the narrative quality of the proverb.
Transcription
Quotations
I would chuse March, for I would come in like a Lion. —But you'd go out like a Lamb when you went to hanging.
Like the moneth of March, which comes in like a Lyon, but goeth out like a Lambe.
The beginning of March usually concludes the nipping Winter, the end initiates the subsequent welcome Spring according to the Proverb: March Cometh in like a Lyon, and goes out like a lamb.
(March hack ham comes in like a lion, goes).
(March balkham, Comes in like a Lion, goes).
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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