Snowdrops are little white flowers with a light refreshing fragrance. They are the very first to bloom at the earliest signs of spring, or even before the winter is done. Being a rare flower of the cold season; the snowdrop was selected as the birth flower for the month of January.
This is certainly an intriguing flower. So what then is the snowdrop flower meaning?
Snowdrop flowers are strong symbols of purity, rebirth, and renewal. They also inspire hope, courage, and spirituality. The deep noble meanings associated with snowdrop flowers make them staples in happy and sad occasions.
The snowdrop is a flower that’s been present in the mythology of many cultures. It’s also regularly mentioned in poems, stories, and folk tales. Read on to know all about it.
Snowdrop Flower Meaning & Symbolism
The snowdrop is a cheerful flower that blooms quite early in the spring season, or even before the winter is over. This flower belongs to the amaryllis family, known as the Amaryllidaceae, which consists mostly of ornamental flowers with heady scents.
There are about 20 different species of snowdrop flowers, Galanthus Sp., most of them native to Eurasia.
A snowdrop is a pristine white flower that looks like a bell, and often there are many of these small nodding flowers on a stem. Snowdrops have a delicate fragrance, and they look great wherever they are placed.
There are seven grand meanings associated with this unique flower. Some of them were inspired by the color and shape of snowdrop flowers. While others are mythical stories, that transpired over the past centuries.
You might be thinking about gifting snowdrops, making them a part of your garden, or using these flowers in the decoration of your house. So here are some of the meanings associated with snowdrops.
1. Purity
The pristine white color, and the inverted bulb of the flower, make it look like a white-robed monk who’s not very interested in worldly matters. It’s also the way a shy maiden often looks in classic fairytales. Too bashful to face a friend or a foe!
True to its name, the snowdrop is as pure as the snow. When it falls, it covers everything in its whiteness and purity. Life appears very different under a cloak of snow. It becomes devoid of jarring details or irregularities. Just pure snow, as far as the eye can see.
White is an untarnished color. It doesn’t send mixed messages about its hue or shade. Thus, as you look at a shrub filled with little snowdrops, you instantly feel that purity. It’s easily recognizable and fully enjoyable.
2. Celebration
Over the years, snowdrop flowers found their way to celebrations, big and small. The most notable are weddings. These little fragrant flowers look great when they’re incorporated into the bridal bouquet. They’re also stunning as hair decorations.
Snowdrops are also often used as part of the ornamentation in the ballroom, or garden, where the ceremony takes place. Their whiteness and delicate shape go perfectly with the wedding colors.
Additionally, snowdrops can be used as a contrast to other flowers. Roses, orchids, tulips, freesias, lavender, and pansies, all look amazing beside the white demure snowdrops.
3. Mourning
Having mentioned the celebratory nature of snowdrops, it feels a bit ironic to describe how it’s used on unfortunate occasions. Losses of all kinds become less harsh around the right kind of flowers.
It’s customary to give a bereaved or grieving person a bouquet of conciliatory flowers. The subtle tone, shape, and fragrance of snowdrops make it a suitable choice. It’s often paired with carnations, daffodils, chrysanthemums, and orchids to create a soothing bunch.
The same flowers can also be used with snowdrops in a room where a eulogy is given, or a wake is held. A tribute in the memory of someone special should also contain some flowers to decrease the heaviness of the situation. Snowdrops are quite fit for the role.
4. Chivalry
Many of the origin stories behind the creation of snowdrop flowers are associated with chivalry. One of them in particular is where the winter decides to stay and never leave. It even takes a little girl as a bargaining chip.
A chivalrous knight stands up to the stubborn winter, which fights back with all its might. The brave knight stands his ground, conquers the winter, and takes back the girl. But he pays a dear cost for that. As he falls to the ground with snow surrounding him, a flower grows. This forever immortalizes his epic act of courage.
Watching these little white flowers in the garden can be an inspiration. Sometimes we need such bravery in our lives. Most of all, we need to face our fears, insecurities, and apprehensions the way that knight faced the mighty winter.
5. Rejuvenation and Renewal
The snowdrop quickly emerges by the end of winter or very early spring. It comes out at a time when almost all of the other flowers are still dormant. This fresh breath of life sends a message of rebirth that’s always welcome.
Rejuvenation is a meaning we need to infuse into our lives. The heart, mind, and soul should keep on driving us towards evolving into better versions of ourselves.
If these flowers can remind you of that lofty notion, then, by all means, you should keep some snowdrops around your garden. And if there’s a friend who needs motivation, a little snowdrop plant or bouquet might do the trick.
6. Spirituality
The stories that tell how the snowdrop flowers came to be are filled with Gods, personalizations of the seasons, and huge battles among celestial creatures. Most of these confrontations end up with heart-wrenching sacrifices and the birth of the snowdrop flowers.
Interestingly, these connotations and associations with mightier beings come from different cultures. This is often an attempt to understand the universe and learn how to deal with its mysteries.
In addition to that, the inclusion of snowdrop flowers on both happy and sad occasions is noteworthy. These flowers are a part of our natural expression of feelings. That might be because of their purity and neutrality.
These are all factors that bring a sense of transcendence and spirituality to this flower.
7. Hope
A flower that comes out ahead of the spring, daring the chilly weather, and deciding to bloom despite the unfavorable conditions, is definitely a reason for hope.
Snowdrops symbolize many positive traits, thus, it’s not a big surprise that hope is one of the solid meanings it stands for.
We all need to refill our reserves of positivity and hopefulness. Sometimes, watching a flower can give us the required inspiration. This is certainly one more reason to make sure that your garden contains some snowdrop flowers.
The Galanthus ‘S. Arnott is among the most beautiful snowdrop species, with its large flowers and overpowering scent. Plant it around your house, or give it as a gift to friends who need a bit more hope in their lives.
Wrap Up On Snowdrop Meaning & Symbolism
In one of the old folk tales revealing how snowdrop flowers were created, lady spring fights with the wicked witch of winter. Lady spring is fierce in her quest to restore the balance back to the seasons. But the witch is relentless too.
At the end of a ferocious fight, lady spring gets hurt. She bleeds into the snow. And in the spot where every drop falls, a tiny white flower comes out. These flowers become snowdrops.
There are numerous versions of this folktale. The myth represents all the lovely traits associated with this pristine white flower.
Snowdrops have come to stand for purity, renewal, recreation, hope, spirituality, and chivalry. These are also solid reasons to include these flowers on festive occasions, where they inspire happiness. And also, on somber occasions, where they give courage and solace.
Planting snowdrops in your garden is a constant source of positivity and beauty. It’s also a wonderful gift you can give to all the special people in your life.
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