At 12 years old, Josie never quite fits in.
With quirky habits and an oddball personality that just won't click with others, the girl often turns to the refuge of her books. Still driven by curiosity and a taste for adventure, Josie has developed an...
Flowers are constant companions through our entire lives.
We plant, grow, and tend to them; they adorn our gardens and homes - and even our bodies - in the form of tattoos or fragrances. They have inspired poets to write about them, musicians to compose them entire ballads, and artists to immortalize them in their works. We decorate the halls of our festivities with vast amounts of floral ornaments, gift them for birthdays, bring them to dates, and even use them as messengers to tell others of our gratitude or sympathy.
If asked, many will name well known plants such as tulips, daffodils, and lilies as their most beloved, while others prefer the more lavish beauty of hydrangeas, peonies, or magnolias. The hopeless romantics are of course smitten by carnations and roses, and quite a few see nothing besides the magnificence of orchids. Some may surprise you with a more moderate answer and tell of camellias, asters, or daisies, yet among all of these choices is one that even less name as their favourite: the snowdrop.
Although other, more extravagant flowers tend to steal away the spotlight, this little, bell-shaped treasure captures the hearts of those among us able and willing to appreciate its delicate charm.
Whether we love, dislike, or do not care at all about something, we still connect almost anything around us with a feeling. Be it because of experience gained in circumstances we find ourselves in, lore we have been taught, or personal preference, many items remind and hold their own symbolic significance for us. The same can certainly be said about the snowdrop, as it has accumulated a variety of different meanings for people and cultures all around the globe. Despite its rather pleasant appearance, the little flower has not been spared from associations to some sombre and, in a few cases, even quite grim topics.
As the name already suggests, the snowdrop is able to flourish while we still struggle with winter's icy grip, and snow blankets our grounds. Plants blooming that early in the year could be seen as invasive with their premature push through the frozen soil. Their presence, if unwelcome, might even stand for undesired growth, prompting us to think of challenges we have yet to overcome and time slipping through our fingers. The fragile and vulnerable look of the snowdrop serves as a perfect metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, highlighting the unrelenting passage of time and harsh truth of mortality. Against the backdrop of winter, the minute blossom contrasts and stands out, evoking a sense of sorrow in our hearts by being a stark reminder of life's transience and the inevitability of loss.
An additional facet of these unpleasant beliefs is that, in some cultural settings, the pristine white of Galanthus has been linked to ideas of grief and mourning. On occasion the flower was even seen as a forewarning, an omen of impending hardship. There are still people who believe to this day that snowdrops are bad luck and that plucking one to bring it home could lead to misfortune or, in the worst-case scenario, death. However, a more rational explanation for the apparent connection between the flower and death could be the snowdrop's frequent presence in and around graveyards, where it tends to blossom in vast droves. Galanthus is a plant that prefers partial shade, and research suggests that the reason for the flower's preference for cemeteries may just be a result of the common practice to plant many trees throughout the sites. Their bulk and canopies provide not only shelter from the elements but also the twilight the snowdrop values, causing it to prosper where the environment meets it preferences. Even though the abundance of the flower at these locations tempts us to draw solemn conclusions, we should acknowledge the potential of more scientific reasons before delving into the obscure.
It is noteworthy, though, that these bleak interpretations are becoming less common and that nowadays the positive perspectives prevail. The blossoms that emerge from the cold terrain in the shape of bells have deep symbolic implications that are relatable to people of many cultural backgrounds. Galanthus' persistent ability to thrive in the most trying of conditions is a sign of resilience, showing us that even the most dire situation might yet give rise to wonder. The snowdrop's routine of emerging while winter is still holding sway over the earth, makes this determined essence is especially clear. It gives us a preview of the impending change, promising us the warmth and plenty of awakening nature. Being seen as a harbinger of spring, Galanthus is also associated with rebirth, telling us to rejoice in life's victory over hardship, as its beauty bravely breaks through the remaining snow to herald the end of winter.
In addition, the minuscule flower's immaculate white has been linked to innocence, purity, and to spiritual virtue. Appearing at a time when winter's end nears and our world is on the verge of things, Galanthus stands for the rejuvenation of the soul, which we experience as a gentle transformation, a freeing yet peaceful catharsis. The cold and darkness of the past get washed away through the cleanse of the imminent season, and because of this, the snowdrop's arrival also aligns with the idea of new beginnings. We see the humble, little flower and our breaths come easier, our hearts get lighter with the prospect of a fresh start, our eyes brighten with the anticipation of better days to come.
For those of us who view the seasonal changes as a cyclical journey, this positive symbolism is of even greater importance. We welcome the snowdrop as a cheerful guide from the desolation of winter to the prosperity of spring.
All things considered, Galanthus offers us a rich tapestry of interwoven symbolism, representing various aspects of beliefs and cultures from all over the world.
If we choose to focus on the positives, this unpretentious yet enchanting small blossom reminds us that even in our coldest and darkest moments, life may yet decide to flourish. It tells us that there is still potential for renewal and growth - even if it's only through the faintest ray of light, the most imperceptible of whispers, or the daintiest of flowers.
Of course, each person's opinion will vary when it comes to the importance of this subject. While some of us believe that interpreting symbols can provide advice in life, others will just write it off as mere superstition.
However, for the time being, at this very moment, here and now, we shall decide to at least embrace one interpretation of all the things a snowdrop might represent:
That there always was, always is, and always will be - hope.
