In the old country 1st of March is the first day of spring (also the 1st of every month is usually start of a season: December 1st is the first day of winter, January 1st is a first day of coder winter, February 1st is the first day of the worst winter, etc.)

The proper weather for spring didn't kick in until later in April, but hey, after 6 months of miserable weather we needed something at least in paper.