What day does spring start?

Today (20/3) is the day of the vernal equinox and by traditions, this is also the first day of spring.

But according to the UK Meteorological Office, the first day of spring is 1 March. And March, April and May are regarded as the spring months.

I am personally more for relying on the celestial pattern. After all, the weather is very much affected by the sun and the moon.

That also brings to mind the Chinese lunar calender. I have been wanting to learn more about it. Does anyone know of any good material?