The adage that spring will arrive after it snows on a robin’s back three times has been proven true. In that same vein, the Czech-inspired legend of the Three Kings is also relevant. The folklore, brought to the United States by immigrants, involves three kings who were fishing at sea when a sudden cold snap caught them unprepared. They were frozen in place until Saint Zofie brought hot water to thaw them out. The story is used to caution against planting too early. Some plants and trees appear to be impatient for spring. Tulips have risen their heads, maples are close to budding, and gardeners have begun to plant. It was possible to plant potatoes to ensure a bumper crop. Lettuce and radish seeds, and onion sets also do fine in the cold soil. Robert Frost, perhaps America’s greatest poet, wrote a poem titled “A Prayer in Spring’’ that spoke about a wish to “Give us the pleasure in the flowers today and give us not to think so far away.’’ It was a message about spring and our ...