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When talking about the weather during the month of March, you’ve probably heard or even used the phrase “in like a lion, out like a lamb.” The phrase reminds us that we’re entering a period of transition and soon the long cold winter will end and we can start looking forward to the weather growing warmer and the days growing longer.

With March being such an unpredictable month, in which we can see warm spring-like temperatures or late-season snowstorms, have you ever wondered where this phrase came from or if there is any truth to this saying.

Connection to the Weather

Many locations go from February into March with active winter weather, but by the end of March, the weather is usually warmer and more spring-like. So you can understand how this saying might hold true in some instances, in some areas. That being said, from a meteorological perspective, there’s little to no truth behind this saying. We can only hope that if March starts off cold and stormy it will end warm and sunny, but the key word is hope. This saying seems to be just that, a saying, rather than a true weather forecaster.

Connection to the Stars

The truth is, “in like a lion, out like a lamb” has more to do with astronomy than meteorology. This old folklore can be traced back to ancient times and those who watched the stars. Its origins have to do with the constellations Leo, the lion, and Aries, the ram or lamb and the relative positions of these constellations in the sky at the beginning and end of the month. When March begins, the constellation Leo the lion is rising above the eastern horizon just after sunset, coming “in like a lion.” At month’s end Aries the ram can be found setting below the western horizon at sunset, going “out like a lamb.” So, based on the stars, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

After a long cold winter, the lion coming in is a sign that springtime is just around the corner and time to start anticipating the warmer weather. As the lamb goes out, it leaves us with the rejuvenating April showers that will bring us May flowers.

Just as March is a transitional month for weather conditions, it’s also a time of transition and rejuvenation at Consumers Credit Union. The Consumers Credit Union’s 85th Annual Meeting will be on March 18th at Keylime Cove Resort in Gurnee, IL. The meeting is to elect four members to the credit union’s Board of Directors. If you are a member of Consumers Credit Union, you are invited to attend and participate. Those unable to attend may vote in advance by proxy ballots, which are available at all six Consumers Credit Union locations and online proxy ballot.