They were late, but now are in everywhere and how happy to see them as they push against the door called spring. The snowdrop's Greek name is from its milky white colour, gala (milk) and anthus (flower) giving
Galanthus. Experts can identify the 350 different species and cultivars from the green markings and the people who love them are called
Galanthophiles. Who could not love these little flowers that appear in the cold days of winter. In the Victorian 'Language of Flowers' they symbolised hope.
Covering the woodland floors and nestling in hedgerows. If the temperature reaches 10 degrees centigrade
the outer petals open horizontally, attracting pollinating insects. This little bunch was in a sheltered spot and they were opening but it hadn't reached that magical warmth so were only half heartedly thinking about. it.
I always though of snowdrops as an indigenous flower but it is not. There is some dispute of how they arrived but the consensus seems to be that monks brought them to Britain from Italy in the 15/16th Century and that is why they are often seen in monastery grounds.
There are many beliefs about them, such as the first sight represents the passing of sorrow. The Christian story tells of an angel turning snowflakes to flowers to give Adam and Eve hope after being cast out from the Garden of Eden. However folk law can see them as unlucky perhaps because
they grow in cemeteries and churchyards. Never bring a bunch into the house for it is to invite death, so if you
St Mary's at Whicham Churchyard
are using them as pain relief for a headache then it might be a precaution to rub them on your forehead outdoors.
No wonder our little
Galanthus like the sheltered places for the only flowers on the hill tops are plastic ones.
See how brave those little snowdrops are, nestling in the Whicham valley, below these cold tops, but the snow was delightfully crunchy. And how delightful that I found a flower beginning with
G by accident when setting off for a walk.
Many poets have written about snowdrops and Wordsworth wrote at least two poems but I'll leave with one expressing Tennyson's simple joy at a first sight
The Snowdrop by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Many, many welcome
February fair-maid
Ever as of old time
Solitary firstings,
Coming in the cold time,
Prophet of the May time,
Prophet of the roses,
Many, many welcomes,
February fair maid.
Gallop over to the
ABC Wednesday meme to see more words starting with
G
