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
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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'
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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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!