ROCK ROSE
Handmade Jewellery
Snowdrop
"And thus the snowdrop, like the bow
that spans the cloudy sky,
Becomes a symbol whence we know
That brighter days are nigh".
George Wilson
Symbolism
Beauty of Spirit; hopefulness; new beginnings
Folk Names
February Fairmaids, Snow Piercers,
Candlemas Bells, Eve's Tears
Botanical Name
Galanthus Nivalis
Gala in Greek means 'milk' and Nivalis 'of snow'
Originally from Switzerland and other parts of Europe, the name Snowdrop comes from a pair of earrings. 'Schneetropfen' (snow drop) were teardrop shaped pearl earrings worn in the 15th - 17th centuries. Before this, they were known a bulbous violets.
The Snowdrop doesn't have petals. Instead it is composed of 6 white segments called 'tepals'.
They droop in order to keep their dusty pollen dry for the very few insects around in the February wind, snow & rain.
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Snowdrops in Literature
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
In the much loved fantasy novel, 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman the main hero, Tristran, wears a magical glass snowdrop pin. It was given to him by his father who bought it from his Fairy mother with a kiss!