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snowdrop silver earrings and flowers in a bud vase

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

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Folk Names

February Fairmaids, Snow Piercers,

Candlemas Bells, Eve's Tears

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Botanical Name

Galanthus Nivalis

Gala in Greek means 'milk' and Nivalis 'of snow'

silver snowdrop brooch pin

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.

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The Snowdrop doesn't have petals. Instead it is composed of 6 white segments called 'tepals'.

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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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snowdrop necklace on white 1 (1) (1).jpg
snowdrop necklace sterling silver with flower buds in a vase

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! 

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