▷ Snowdrops, wonder of the cold

Snowdrops are flowers that defining «beautiful» is not exhaustive. Yes, you know, «beauty will save the world» but every now and then something more is needed. So the Snowdrops need another adjective, probably «special» suits them.

You have surely already seen them, pale and shaped like small bells that manage to make their way even when the ground is covered in snow.

We had the pleasure of getting to know other winter plants such as calicanto, camellia sasanqua, witch hazel and edgeworthia chrysantha but by getting to know snowdrops it is as if we were going to explore something that intimately belongs to winter. No longer large showy and colorful plants that remind us that spring is coming, but discreet witnesses to the wonder of a winter that can give so much.

Well, let’s lower our voices a little and get closer as silently as possible to this flower that can convey such peace as only a landscape covered in soft snow could do.

GALANTHUS NIVALIS

The botanical name of the Snowdrop is Galanthus Nivalis and is part of the Amaryllidaceae family.

That name comes from two Greek words: “gala» what does it mean «white as milk«And»anthos» Meaning what «flower«. While «you snowed«refers precisely to its early flowering. Myths and legends revolve around the name of the Snowdrop which only reinforce the wonder that this flower brings with it, but we will delve deeper into the discussion a little later in this article.

Snowdrops are bulbous plantsthey therefore originate from a bulb that produces leaves and flowers every year. From each bulb comes a single flower with the classic bell shape turned downwards, the petals lined in an orderly manner and, inside the white petals there are green decorations and a golden centre.

They are widespread in southern Europe and the Caucasian areas. In Italy it is very present except in Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia. Just think that it was introduced to England by Queen Elizabeth who brought it home directly from the wild areas of Alpine Italy!

Their natural habitat is that of forests, bushes and meadows, in areas of partial shade. In some cases, such as in the areas of central-southern Italy, they can be found in the mountains, while in the north, in Tuscany and Marche, even near the coasts.

GROWING SNOWDROPS

Would you like these flowers in the garden? No problem! Growing snowdrops is quite simple:

The bulb must be planted in autumn in a hole at least 5cm deep;
The ideal place is sunny in cold periods and shaded in summer;
It is important to check that the roots are well covered to facilitate rooting.

That’s all! Snowdrops are true children of winter, all they ask for is a little light and then they will do the rest on their own, strong and proud.

They also bloom indoorsin small pots with little soil, in cool areas away from direct sources of heat. In this case it will also be necessary to provide them with water, just wet the earth when it appears dry and, if you really want to make their life easy (they deserve it don’t you think?) in spring add some organic product to improve the structure of the earth on which they grow.

MORNING STAR

The Snowdrop has always been a well-known flower and this has brought it a wealth of stories and myths that suit it well. We find the first poetic name immediately, in fact another name for the Snowdrop is «Morning Star», a name attributed to it because it is one of the first flowers to be born with the arrival of the new year.

February 2 is celebrated by the Catholic Church Candlemasevent that recalls the presentation of Jesus at the temple, where the child was brought as a «light to illuminate the people», and guess what the flower symbolizes this event? Exactly, the Snowdrop!

Also in February we find Imbolcancient Irish festival that celebrates the peak of winter, in fact it falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The favorite decorations for this holiday were the Morning Stars which recalled both the purity of a Young Goddess and the milk that was used to feed the lambs.

The most beautiful story, however, comes to us from an English story linked to the Bible. In that text it is told how Eve, sent away from paradise, was really sad and disconsolate for having left that magnificent place and having arrived on a bare and cold earth. But thanks to the miracle of an angel, a Snowdrop was born who gave her back her lost hope.

THE MEANING OF SNOWDROPS

This little fighter brings with him very positive meanings that refer to hope and consolation. After all, if they were able to comfort Eve after leaving paradise, what couldn’t they repair?

They indicate the transition from pain to a new, thriving beginning. Their tenacity to make their way and grow despite the frozen ground perfectly indicates the necessary strength needed to recover after an unhappy period. Remember that within every shadow a light can be born.

In fact, this was also the case for the Snowdrop. Well yes, this little flower has not always had such a candid reputation, it had to wait years and years before it was no longer looked at with distrust.

In the twentieth century the Snowdrop was an omen of death, its typical bell shape facing the ground, its blooming between one season and another and its diffusion in Victorian cemeteries led it to be a macabre sign. According to popular superstition, if some Snowdrops were born in the garden of a house, that family was about to experience great misfortune.

Now, however, its image has changed so much that it is often found as a decoration in weddings, as a symbol of optimism and virtue. It also represents purity. Another superstition said that whoever wore one was inclined to think honestly.

In short, we met the Snowdrop and we were quite entranced by it, we hope it’s the same for you! See you soon with the next article!