The first known cultivation of snowdrops in the UK was recorded in 1597. While it is thought that pilgrims originally brought this beautiful flower to our shores, it was the Victorians who enthusiastically planted them in churchyards and cemeteries as a symbol of purity and hope.
A wander through a burial ground at this time of year likely to reveal the humble snowdrop pushing its way through the cold soil – signifying that spring is just around the corner.
These are likely to be the common snowdrop officially called galanthus nivalis. Galanthus is derived from two Greek words meaning ‘milk’ and ‘flower’. Nivalis is from the Latin word for ‘snow’.
Snowdrops go by over 30 different local names including dew drops, eve’s tear and February fair-maids. They are also known as Candlemas bells.
In the Middle Ages Candlemas (held on the 2nd of February) was the day when everyone in the parish brought their candles to church to be blessed by the priest. This was to ward off evil spirits. After a procession, and the blessing, the candles were all lit and set before the statue of the Virgin Mary. The snowdrop was the flower gathered to decorate the church which earned it the alternative name of that ancient tradition.
Back in those times snowdrops were used to treat headaches. Today in modern medicine a compound from the bulb has been used to develop a dementia treatment.
As well as brightening up our walks, snowdrops are a great energy source for emerging queen bumblebees on a warm day.
