Milk Flower of the Snow (from the Latin)

Did you know that there is a Snowdrop Festival, featuring fantastic events throughout winter across Scotland?

There is so much written about the snowdrop, its symbolism and its place in folklore and literature.

One of my favourite stories about the ‘Fair Maid of February’ is this ancient German tale;

At the beginning of all things when life was new, the Snow sought to borrow a colour. The flowers were much admired by all the elements but they guarded their colours jealously and when the Snow pleaded with them, they turned their backs in contempt for they believed the Snow cold and unpleasant.

The tiny humble snowdrop took pity on the Snow for none of the other flowers had shown it any kindness and so she came forth and offered up her colour to the Snow .

The Snow gratefully accepted and became white forevermore, just like the Snowdrops. In its gratitude, the Snow granted the little pearly flowers protection to appear in winter, to be impervious to the ice and bitter chill. From then on, the Snow and the Snowdrops lived side by side as friends.

The festival is full of lovely events such as ‘Snowdrops by the Snow Moon, A Candlelit Walk’ and many of the events are near to The Lint Mill, including tours of the wonderful carpets of snowdrops at Dawyck Botanic Gardens.

The festival runs from January to March and features a mixture of events and self-guided walks for all to enjoy. It’s a great excuse to visit The Lint Mill in early spring.