The Snowdrop
Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid,
Ever as of old time,
Solitary firstling,
Coming in the cold time,
Prophet of the gay time,
Prophet of the May time,
Prophet of the roses,
Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid!
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
(Snowdrops are also sometimes known as Candlemas Bells. The feast of Candlemas is celebrated on 2 February, marking the presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple and also the purification of the Virgin Mary.)
