I walked, but not for long. The winter weather, especially in January, is not absolutely welcoming nor does it invite spending much time outside. Even so, here I am. Upon my arrival, without any consideration, I noticed the thing. A snowdrop, all alone. They consistently grow in groups. It definitely stirred something within me. Yes, something as simple and delicate as a flower. And this is because these particular flowers are a clear sign that spring is near, just as winter is gradually fading away..

These flowers emerge, with their leaves clasped together like praying palms, but mostly like sword tips, carving their way through the often frozen ground, sometimes pushing through the snow. I turn around to approach the wall that surrounds the garden. I am knowledgeable about the growth of daffodils and snowdrops in that place.

And there they are, small, gaining strength. Many of them have less than a centimeter of their leaves visible, the ones that, as I mentioned, cut through like swords. Their name comes from the Greek, Galanthus nivalis. Back in 1753, it was mentioned for the first time. Its etymological name derives from the Greek GALA, meaning milk, ANTHOS, meaning flower, and the Latin NIVALIS, snow; so according to this, its name is the Flower of Milk and Snow, or something like that. But well, let’s stick with the name “snowdrop.”

This island is not its natural home, and there are several theories about how it ended up here from Europe, the Balkans, and other regions. Nevertheless, there is unmistakably a glimmer of hope. As previously stated, it’s a sure sign that spring is getting closer, but not before triggering vernalization. A biological process in which plants go through a prolonged exposure to low temperatures, usually during winter, to acquire the ability to bloom later when conditions are suitable.

Snowdrops depend on both winter frost and increasing spring temperatures for their growth and blooming. These plants have a life cycle that is perfectly adapted for the winter season, and their delicate beauty is a lovely representation of the shift from winter to spring. The sight of their return evokes thoughts of sunny days, barbecues, margaritas, and more.

The ups and downs of life are inevitable, but they will soon or later fade away, leaving their mark on us. It’s evident that an event and its effects will require careful planning, emotional strength, financial resources, and possibly therapy. Being self-reliant or reaching out to professionals is perfectly fine.

Everything has a cycle, even those periods of cold, palpable silence, should be for us a period of maturation, learning, introspection, and above all, planning what’s next, what, how, when. A mind captive to laziness and lack of action is destined to get sick and die while alive. Whatever you need to learn from your winter period, do it. Today, here.

¿What do you think?

Snowdrops view

one of many legends about Snowdrops

Last modified on 2024-01-27