February Flower--The Crocus

Yellow Crocuses

February 1st is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is celebrated today as St. Brigid's Day in Ireland, which honors one of Ireland's patron saints, St. Brigid (or St. Brigit) of Kildare (circa 453-524 A.D.) It is also the date of the ancient Gaelic festival of Imbolc (or Imbolg), historically observed in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, which marked the beginning of Spring. Although many of the ancient Imbolc customs died out by the 20th century, the seasonal festival is still  recognized, and ancient traditions are still practiced in some areas. 

St. Brigid of Kildare (source)

We're still in the middle of winter here in southeastern Pennsylvania. Although it's been mostly above freezing this past week, piles of snow still remain from the Blizzard of 2016. But I always feel a little bit of hope at the beginning of February, that spring can't be too far away. Already the days are getting just a little bit longer, and this month we'll get to see our first spring flowers--the crocuses.

Photo by Christa Regina (source)

Crocus is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family. There are about 90 species, which bloom in various parts of the world at different times of the year. The seasoning saffron is harvested from a number of different species, including Crocus sativus, which has been cultivated in the Mediterranean since ancient times. 

Saffron Gatherers Appear in Minoan Frescoes on the Island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea (1600-1500 B.C.E) (source)

Several species of ornamental crocuses are popular with gardeners in North America and Europe, and are mostly yellow, white or shades of purple, although some varieties are available in colors including pink and orange. Crocuses are all about two to four inches tall. Snow crocuses are the first to bloom; Dutch crocuses are larger and bloom somewhat later. 

Photo by Listje (source)

Crocus flowers and leaves are protected from frost by a waxy cuticle, and they can often be seen blooming through the snow. The strong scent of many crocuses lures sleepy bees from their hives as early as February or March. Crocuses naturalize, meaning that they grow and spread, with minimal care, and return each year to add striking color to the dull winter landscape.

Crocuses In the Snow  (Photo by Ralph Hauser) (source)

Crocuses have always been celebrated as an early sign of spring and of hope. In the romantic Victorian "language of flowers", lovers could use flowers symbolically to send each other secret messages. Crocuses symbolized youth and gladness, and they are featured in the following poem and vintage illustrations.

Three White Crocuses and Violets (courtesy of tuckdb.org)

Birthday Card (1921) (courtesy of tuckdb.org)

 

Two Pretty Girls Driving In A Snowstorm, White Crocuses Below (courtesy of tuckdb.org)

Sundial In Garden With Crocuses--Scotland (1908) by Mary G. W. Wilson (Courtesy of Library of Congress)

Pot of Purple and White Crocuses (1905) (courtesy of tuckdb.org)