How many can you solve? Test your spring knowledge with a trivia quiz about March!

Aquamarine

The birthstone for March is aquamarine. As its Latin name means “sea water,” this gemstone is characterized by a beautiful ocean-like blue. It is also said to bring calm and tranquility.

the first strong south wind that blows in spring

“Haruichiban” refers to the first strong southerly wind among a series of warm, strong south winds that blow across the Japanese archipelago between Risshun (the beginning of spring) and the Vernal Equinox. Arriving after the severe cold of winter, the haruichiban is also known as a seasonal hallmark that symbolizes the nearness of spring.

botamochi (sweet rice cake with red bean paste)

Botamochi are well known as sweets offered during the spring equinoctial week (Ohigan). Botamochi are a type of traditional confectionery made with glutinous rice. The offering during the spring Ohigan is called botamochi, while the one offered during the autumn Ohigan is called ohagi. This difference in naming comes from the fact that peonies (botan) bloom in spring, and bush clover (hagi) blooms in autumn.

Pink, white, green

Hishimochi is divided into three layers of color from top to bottom—pink, white, and green—where pink represents peach blossoms, white signifies snow, and green evokes young grass. These colors symbolize the changing of the seasons and embody the celebration of the arrival of spring.

Japan

White Day originated in the 1970s when a Japanese confectionery company proposed it as part of a promotional campaign. The custom of men who received chocolate on Valentine’s Day giving white-colored sweets or gifts in return on March 14, one month later, is unique to Japan and later spread to other countries.