March 17th – Gertrude’s Day. Awakening of Insects and Gardens

Halfway between the winter festivities and the Great Day (Spring Equinox), we welcome Gertrude’s Day (Ģertrūdes diena). For ancient Latvians, this was a moment when "the earth opens up." It was believed that on this very day, the first insect awakens, the first snake crawls out into the sun, and the first spring sap begins to circulate in the trees.

The Day of Insects and Garden Planning In folk tradition, this was also called Insect Day. If you saw the first bee or fly on this day, it was a sign that spring had truly arrived! For gardeners, it was a time to prepare seed bags and plan for the season ahead. People avoided bringing anything from the forest into their homes today to ensure that snakes would stay away from the farmstead during the summer.

Folk Beliefs for Nature Observers:

• Watch the bees: If bees are flying on Gertrude’s Day, a hot summer is expected.

• Frost and weather: If it frosts today, there will be forty more nights of frost.

• The rule of the forest: Do not bring sticks or wood from the forest today; otherwise, pests and reptiles will trouble your garden later.

Mid-March is when we, along with nature, begin to "open up." It’s time to shed the weight of winter, put on a lighter coat, and treat yourself to a sweet boost of energy while waiting for the great return of the sun.