2-701-684 - © National Museum of Wales/Heritage-Images

Galanthus nivalis L. (Snowdrop), c1903 -1915. Snowdrops were the symbol of Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary on February 2nd. Traditionally any woman who wanted to warn off a man would send him an envelope containing a few snowdrop blooms. Snowdrops are also symbols of death and mourning.