Snowdrop Day (19/04)





In general, in the world, depending on the climatic zone, snowdrops bloom from January to April. In the UK, their flowering occurs in mid-April, so this holiday was timed to coincide with this period — in early spring and warm sunny days, and today it has become loved in other countries.

It is worth saying that in England snowdrops — are very popular flowers, and the attitude towards them is very reverent. There is an opinion that this is due to an ancient English belief, which states that snowdrops planted around the house will protect its inhabitants from evil spirits. But first of all, snowdrops — are the first flowers that appear after the winter cold and accordingly symbolize the beginning of spring, the victory of warmth over cold and give hope for the best. They decorate many of the town's flower beds, and their breeding in the United Kingdom receives as much attention as, for example, tulip farming in Holland.

Latin name for snowdrop — «galanthus» (Galanthus) — «milk flower». This plant has been known since the 1st millennium; in the Middle Ages it was revered as a symbol of integrity, and began to be grown everywhere in the 19th century. Today, snowdrops grow in many areas of the globe, there are about 20 species in total, but almost all of them are listed in the Red Book. The most popular type of — snowdrop is snow-white, and there is also Greek, Byzantine, Caucasian... They differ in shape and color and even aroma, but they are all very loved.

This flower is called differently in different countries. The British call it a snow drop or a snow earring; Czechs — snowflake; Germans — snow bell, and Russians — snowdrop. The Russian name was probably due to the ability of this spring plant to break through from under the snow and bloom with the first warm rays of the sun. Interestingly, each area has its own name for snowdrop — those flowers that bloom first in this area and are called snowdrops. For example, in the Nizhny Novgorod region, a snowdrop is a dream grass or, in other words, an open lumbago. In Russia, snowdrop grows mostly in foothill and mountain forests or high-mountain meadows, and is also bred as an ornamental plant.

After all, the very fact that this beautiful spring creation of nature is hiding under the snow already makes the image of a snowdrop full of mysteries and secrets. Therefore, it is quite natural that he often became the hero of various legends and fairy tales. For example, one ancient legend says that when Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, it was snowing. Eve froze and began to cry, remembering the warm gardens of paradise. To comfort her, God turned several snowflakes into snowdrop flowers. Seeing the flowers, Eva became cheerful and had hope for the best. This is where it is believed that snowdrop — is a symbol of hope.

According to another legend, the goddess Flora distributed costumes for the carnival to flowers and gave the snowdrop a white dress. But snow also wanted to participate in the carnival, although he was not entitled to a costume. Then he began to ask the flowers to help him, but they were afraid of the cold and did not agree, and only the snowdrop covered him with his white cloak. Together they circled in a round dance of flowers and became so sympathetic to each other that they are inseparable to this day.

Today, snowdrops grow in many areas of the globe, but almost all of them are listed in the Red Book (Photo: Ondrej83, licensed from Shutterstock.com)

In Rus' there was a legend that one day the Old Winter with her companions Stuzha and the Wind decided not to let Spring come to earth. All the flowers were afraid of her threats, except for the snowdrop, which straightened its stem and was able to get out from under the snow blanket. The Sun saw its petals and warmed the earth with warmth, opening the way to Spring…

However, unfortunately, today the snowdrop has become a victim of human «love». These flowers are beautiful, but only in nature, because picked « flowers last only a few days. And due to the fault of people who barbarously « collect » snowdrops, there are fewer and fewer of them on Earth every year. Not so long ago they grew in many countries, but flowering plants were massively destroyed into bouquets, and their bulbs were predatorily dug up. Therefore, at present, most species of snowdrops are listed in the Red Book as an endangered species; they cannot be collected. Environmentalists are advocating for tougher measures against «-gatherers» snowdrops, calling on everyone to treat these flowers carefully and carefully, and even on the eve of the spring holidays not to give them to women.

But every year, with the onset of spring, snowdrop traders reappear in cities, and not only those raised in greenhouse conditions. Therefore, if you want to buy a bouquet of these beautiful flowers, remember that by buying them, you are pushing poachers to collect even more on a larger scale in subsequent years. Give up this little pleasure, thereby helping to preserve living nature. So that our descendants have the opportunity to see this miracle of nature alive, and not just learn about it from fairy tales and legends. This is what today's holiday — Snowdrop Day reminds us of.



• Infographics – poster «April 19 — Snowdrop Day»

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