Edelweiss – The little Alpine flower with a fur coat!
The name, in German, is a combination of the words “edel” (meaning noble) and “weiss” (which means white).
Edelweiss, a flower that grows in the rocky regions of the Alps in countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Austria, can survive the harshest of winters. Although it is a member of the daisy family, it is covered with a fuzz, or dense “hair” that appears to protect the plant against the cold and ultraviolet radiation.
This little white flower has come to symbolize courage, bravery and love. As the story goes, men would venture up into the mountains to collect this flower for their loved one, often traversing icy ledges and snowy peaks on daring climbs. If successful in bringing these flowers home to his loved one, he was considered brave as he risked his life to prove love his love and devotion! As a result, alpine men today still proudly wear this flower, seen not as unmanly, but as a medal of honor!
See images of this flower in its natural habitat here: https://www.pinterest.com/passportnation/live-it-a-slice-of-life-in-europe/edelweiss/
The Edelweiss Project:
What You Will Need:
- Edelweiss Template
- Colored pencils
- Yellow tissue paper, torn in pieces
- Cotton balls
- Glue bottles; one for every couple of students
Instructions:
Begin by coloring the template, adding in green for the stem and leaves, yellow in the center, and white for the petals (or just leave petals blank).
Next, tear pieces of tissue paper, roll pieces into ball shapes, and glue onto the center of the flower.
Finally, “shred” cotton balls by pulling them apart. Add glue to the petals and stick cotton balls on petals to create the characteristic flower fur.
God is glorified in his creation of this delicate and beautiful, yet tough and hardy flower!