Today not only marks Candlemas Day, the Christian festival of light but also concludes the pagan festival of Imbolc. Imbolc marks the half way point between the winter and spring equinoxes which is indeed good news for people in the northern hemisphere. Both of these festivals have connections with purity, cleansing and hope and snowdrops are often associated with these festivals. Snowdrops were once known as 'Candlemas Bells', usually being in flower at this time of year. The above photo is of galanthus 'Imbolc'. Despite the fact that is has been the sunniest January on record in England as well as being warmer than average the flowers on my clump of 'Imbolc' in the garden are still shut tight. The flower is from a bulb that is growing in a pot in a sheltered spot near the house. This is one of my favourite snowdrops and one of the last to open for me.
A lovely snowdrop with a good name too. Candlemas is the traditional day for taking down Christmas lights here, so our string of lights in our yard has been switched off and dismantling will happen on a mild and not windy day!
ReplyDeleteApparently Candlemas was when Christmas decorations were taken down here Cathy but I'm not sure why and when the tradition stopped. It's a shame as it's great to have light throughout the winter. Yes definitely a job for a milder calm day 😂
DeleteLovely snowdrop, super photo! Snowdrops will be flowering here for at least another 6 weeks, if not more, my wild ones are only just starting to flower now.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Pauline. I'm using a mobile phone to take a lot of photos these days and am mot always happy with them. I am sure that some of my snowdrops will go on until the end of the month and perhaps beyond 😂
DeleteA fine snowdrop and a great picture. The words were well worth adding. Happy Imbolc.
ReplyDeleteA most Happy Imbolc to you Noelle. It's a most soothing thought to think that every day is a step nearer to spring 😀
DeleteI had forgotten that's what Candlemas was, that halfway point - but will remember it now, thank you! Imbolc was one of my earliest snowdrop purchases but sadly disappeared recently - can't remember if it was one I replaced last year though!
ReplyDeleteYou will have to let me know if 'Imbolc' was on your list of purchases last year Cathy. If not a replacement can be arranged 😀
DeleteA stunning photograph Anna also some interesting facts about the snowdrop that I didn’t know.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Brian. It's amazing just how much there is to explore on the subject of snowdrops 😂
ReplyDeleteAccording to our records January hasn’t been sunny here in fact rather bleak and certainly not warm for most of the time. The snowdrop is beautiful
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