↟ Snowdrop – Galanthus Nivalis ↟

These white delicate little flowers heralding the promise of Spring and are now piercing through the lingering frost here in Scandinavia. A North European wild flower – one of the very first early flowers to blossom. They are a symbol of hope, purity and quiet resilience, inspired folklore across Europe, used in ideas of purification and protection of home and hearth.

Snowdrops also possess intriguing medical qualities. The bulbs and leaves contain galantamine, an alkaloid that has been shown to slow the progression of Alzimer’s disease by temporarily restoring the balance of neurotransmittens in the brain. Thereby, improving memory and cognitive functions. However, it is highly toxic if ingested improperly!

The Snowdrop thrives in gardens and woodlands, bending to the ground like a drop of snow. Like the majority of the Swedish Flora and Fauna, Carl Von Linné discovered and named this flower. The epithet ‘nivalis’ means ‘of the snow’, referring either to the snow-like flower or the plant’s early flowering. Another British traditional common name for this flower is “February fairmaids”.

True Hyperboreans will relate to the joy of seeing Spring’s first flowers – reminding us that light follows even in the darkest of times. Go outside and reconnect with nature. Have you spotted any where you live? ❄️🌿