Delicate and hardy, as the first sign of spring bloom, the snowdrop flower emerges from winter soil and carries a deep symbolism and meaning.
If you’ve ever walked in the woods or a meadow as the snow begins to melt, you’ve likely seen snowdrops peeking through. These delicate yet bold flowers are among the first to signal the end of winter.
A bunch of snowdrops, tied with ivy leaves, was once sold as a charming symbol of early spring before the plant wasn’t fully protected.
These tiny, delicate flowers also became a theme in art, and today, we understand that the compounds within snowdrops have medicinal properties and medicinal uses.
Have you ever wondered why they are called a birth flower? Join me in exploring the fascinating world of snowdrop flower meaning and their rich symbolism.
The etymological meaning of one of the first flowers
The word ‘snowdrop’ derives from two distinct terms: “snow” and “drop,” indicating its appearance akin to droplets of snow on the ground. Additionally, the botanical name for the snowdrop is Galanthus nivalis, which in ancient Greek means milk flower. Thus, the etymological meaning reflects the snowdrop’s pristine white flower appearance and its connection to the Greek term for milk.
Meaningful Botanical Characteristics of the Snowdrop Flower
The snowdrop flower has unique botanical characteristics, including linear leaves and bell-shaped bloom drooping atop a single, slender stalk. Each plant presents a singular bell-like flower that elegantly dangles from a thin stem. The blossoms possess six white tepals — with the outer three being notably larger, surrounding the smaller inner tepals that showcase typical green markings. Snowdrop bulbs often start to sprout amidst snow, making them one of the first flowers to bloom and exude a delightful fragrance reminiscent of honey for many.
Snowdrop blossoms fall under the Galanthus genus, encompassing around 20 distinct species. These bulbous perennials are members of the Amaryllidaceae family. The name “Galanthus” was attributed to this genus by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
A history of snowdrops
Snowdrops have been around for hundreds of years. A Greek botanist wrote about them way back in the 4th century but used to call them ‘white violets. In 1753, a Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus declared that it wasn’t a violet but instead a plant from the Amaryllidaceae family. However, many people across Europe were already calling it the snowdrop by then.
People think snowdrops have always grown in Britain, but that’s untrue. The history of snowdrops traces back to Europe and the Middle East. So, how did these small white flowers get to Britain? Well, it was the Romans who brought them over.
Known for their expansive conquests and the vast territories they controlled, the Romans were also instrumental in exchanging flora and fauna across their empire. Among these was the humble snowdrop.
The snowdrop’s introduction by the Romans wasn’t just due to its aesthetic appeal. Beyond its delicate petals, the gentle snowdrop was valued for its potential medicinal properties. Over time, as the Roman influence in Britain waned, the snowdrops began to thrive in woodlands, meadows, and by the riverbanks, gradually becoming a staple of the British flora.
Snowdrop Flower Myths and Legends
The snowdrop flower has enjoyed a rich history that includes several legends about how the flower came to be.
In the tale from the Garden of Eden, Eve was distraught after God had cast her out of the Garden of Eden amidst unending snow. At this moment of despair, the angel caught a snowflake and breathed upon it. The snowflake fluttered to the Earth and gave birth to the snowdrop. This delicate bloom came to symbolize hope and rebirth.
In captivating German legend, when god created snow, he gave it the task of visiting the flowers of the Earth to gather colors. All the flowers refused until the snow visited the gentle snowdrop. Touched by its generosity, the snow granted the snowdrop the honor of being the first to bloom each spring.
A Moldovan legend vividly depicts a fight between the Winter Witch and Lady Spring, who gave birth to the snowdrop. In this fifth for the reign over the Earth, Lady Spring pricked her figure, and a drop of her blood fell to Earth and the snow beneath it melted, creating a gentle Snowdrop flower. This announced her reign over the world.
According to this Romanian Legend, the sun took on the form of a young girl each year as it returned to warm the land in the spring. Winter refused to let go of his stronghold on the Earth for one year and took the young girl hostage. A Hero soon appeared to rescue his love from the grips of winter.
Medicinal Uses of Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Researchers discovered a compound called galantamine in snowdrop flowers in the 1950s. Today, doctors use this compound to treat Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions because it boosts levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning. (1)
Snowdrops in literature
The idea of “speaking through flowers” can be found in ancient Greek mythology, ancient Roman, Egyptian, and Chinese writings, and stories from Europe and Asia. Even the writings of William Shakespeare have hints of flower meanings, like primrose or roses.
An example of a well-known literary reference to snowdrops is in the poem “The Snowdrop” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. The poem describes the snowdrop as “a single bell hanging in a void” and compares the flower’s delicate beauty to the fragility of life. The poem also reflects on life’s fleeting nature and death’s inevitability.
When should you give someone snowdrops?
Given their significance in the language of flowers, snowdrops are often seen as a symbol of new beginnings and purity. Therefore, gifting someone with these flowers is ideal for congratulating them on a new venture or lifting their spirits. However, it’s essential to note that there’s a superstition suggesting bad luck to bring snowdrops into the home.
Galanthomania
People got really excited about snowdrops in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and this craze was called snowdrop mania or galanthomania. It was all about collecting different types of snowdrop bulbs and growing them. Snowdrops have always been liked in gardens because they bloom early, and people perceive snowdrops as a symbol of hope.
There are also many places that hold Snowdrop festivals to celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming of white snowdrops.
Snowdrops flower meaning
In the language of flowers, the snowdrop flower meaning roots itself in the rebirth of nature after the cold, bleak months. Tiny snowdrop petals signify purity, new beginnings but also resilience and perseverance.
hope, rebirth and the ability to overcome challenges
Even in snowy conditions, the first spring flower’s early emergence symbolizes its ability to overcome challenges. It’s a beacon of rebirth and return of spring. As such, the snowdrop shares its symbolism with other early bloomers, embodying perseverance and resilience.
new beginning
Snowdrop bloom early in the spring and signals the start of something fresh – a new beginning, like a daffodil. It announces the arrival of spring, a season synonymous with renewal. Just as spring represents the Earth’s fresh start, the snowdrop epitomizes new chances and the idea that great things in life can stem from small beginnings.
While many cultures see the snowdrop as a sign of hope and new beginnings, the Victorians have a different take. To them, the snowdrop represented death and even a sign of bad luck to bring snowdrops inside the home, and spotting just one snowdrop flower was taken as a sign of impending death.
resilience and perseverance
This is likely because they are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring after a long and cold winter. The snowdrop’s ability to push through the snow and bloom despite the harsh conditions symbolizes resilience and perseverance.
Snow Flower Color Meanings
Snowdrops are one of the few flowers that only come in one color – pure white blooms, and the color holds deep symbolism. Like other white flowers, they represent purity, innocence, and peace in many cultures. In the case of the snowdrop, the flower color signifies the purity of nature and the fresh slate that spring offers.
The symbolism of the snowdrop
The snowdrop’s symbolism runs deep, intertwined with myths and reality. From legends about how the flower came to be – from the drops of blood of Lady Spring pricked by winter’s icy grip – to its symbolic meaning of rebirth and hope, the snowdrop is truly multifaceted.
For those born in January, the snowdrop Galanthus nivalis shares its symbolism with the carnation, as they are both the birth flowers for January.
