In myth the snowdrop symbolises a promise – to break winter’s spell and bring back spring. When these tiny harbingers arrived at the apiary last weekend, they brought as much delight to us as they must bring to the bees.
But another week of howling winds and raging rains, and I wondered if this tiny flower was not working its magic. I’ve always been fond of flower folklore and remembered a book that I picked up in a second-hand bookstore in Cornwall, Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits and Plants by Charles M Skinner.
So I revisited the passage on snowdrops and a couple of pictures taken at the apiary when it had snowed. Here it is, a little snowdrop magic for Sunday…
Snowdrop
“When the first winter lay white upon the earth, Eve sorely missed the beautiful things of the fields. An angel who pitied her seized a flake of the driving snow and, breathing on it, bade it live, for her delight. It fell to the earth a flower, which Eve caught to her breast with gladness, for not only did it break the spell of winter, but it carried assurance of divine mercy. Hence the flower means consolation and promise. In another legend, Kerma, finding her lover dead, plucked a snowdrop and placed it on his wounds. It did not rouse him, but at the touch his flesh changed to snowdrops, hence the flower is also an emblem of death. Even now in rural England the flower is in ill repute, and it is unlucky to carry the first spray of the season into the house, while it is downright indelicate for a person to give it to one of another sex, since it implies a wish to see the recipient dead. This galanthus nivalis is variously known in England, France, Italy, and Switzerland as virgin flower, snow piercer, winter gallant, firstling, blackbird flower, little snow bell, little white bell, baby bell, spring whiteness, and white violet.”
While not being superstitious, I’m glad the legend discourages bringing snowdrops into the house as they are much more valuable for the bees. And with snowdrops blowing in the fresh February air, let’s hope their promise comes true soon.
Edit: Snowdrops spotted today on Olympic walk from Mile End to Embankment, finally opening…
Mrs Apis Mellifera 
The photos of the snowdrop in snow are beautiful. We haven’t had any snow (yet). I have never heard any myths about snowdrops, I was surprised with their association with death. They always bring thoughts of spring for me. Amelia
Charles’s book is a lovely read. I have it now on my Kindle app along with Culpeper. Wonderful the stories people used to have to explain the natural world!
Sounds like a fascinating book…I’m glad to know that bees like snowdrop flowers, as there is nothing much else flowering in my garden at the moment, apart from a couple of hellebores and a bit of winter aconite. Plus the first signs of pussy willow. Not sure if that is any good to bees? Really beautiful seeing your photos of snowdrops in the snow.
Winter aconites are also early forage for bees as are crocus and, a bit early than expected, a crop of tasty daffodils! I think they like willow too. Although not yet seen a single forager – the flowers are out but it’s so windy the bees might not like flying!
What a lovely post. I was looking at the little snowdrops poking through this morning, so lovely to read about it too.
Sorry only just seen your comment and thanks for reading the post. Snowdrops have faded and been succeeded by glorious daffodils. I’m hoping to see a few fat bumble bees to pop out of them this week.
Yes indeed!
A beautiful sight after a rather grey winter. The promise of things to come maybe.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Snowdrops are very promising – hopefully signifying a good year ahead. Thank and hugs David!
Lovely images and interesting mythology, it always amazes me that seemingly simple flowers often have so much attached to them. Do your beehives look like little igloos in the snow?
I hadn’t thought of them like that but yes, they do look like igloos! You might like the post in which I originally too the snowdrops-in-snow images https://missapismellifera.com/2012/02/08/a-story-in-which-there-is-snow-bees-and-snowdrops/
Such an interesting post about a lovely little flower. It will be much latter for any sightings of something green in New Hampshire as we have over three feet of snow on the ground so I enjoyed your photos.
Sorry only just seen your comment – three feet of snow might be too much for snowdrops to peek above! We had no snow in London so you must have had our share.
Did you know that snowdrops are supposed to be in flower by Candlemas (February 2nd) and they are also called Candlemas bells.
That’s beautiful! Candles and snowdrops is a lovely image! I’ll remember for next year 🙂
Snowdrops are wondrous flowers indeed. I love the way they magically sprout up every year in the coldest of weather. Perhaps their connection with cold is part of the reason for their association with death?
You could be right Emily, and it’s interesting that so many cultures have myths and legends associated with them. I like the Angel story best.
What a sweet flower.The flower goes well with snow.
Snowdrops are often the first flowers of the year that I see, and my favourite. Often tempted to pick a couple for a vase indoors, but resist to save this tasty forage for hungry winter bees.
Such lovely photos. Spring is truly on the way.
Thanks, we’ve been away in Dubai and now return to welcome sight of daffodils – sunshine and spring have returned!
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can you tell me how to plan snowdrop flower on hydroponik?
Oh dear, I’ve no idea sorry.