A Swiss airline is named after him, opposition groups of young people during the Nazi era (“Edelweiss Pirates”), a folk music prize and a high military award are named after him, the Alpine Edelweiss. The flower, which was once widespread in the Alps, is considered a symbol of the region, but also stands for courage, bravery and love.
What is the meaning of the edelweiss?
The edelweiss, a striking star-shaped alpine flower, symbolizes courage, bravery and love. Once a test of courage in mountaineering, it became a symbol of love and is now the national symbol for the Alpine countries of Austria and Switzerland.
The “Flower of Eternity”
The striking, star-shaped flower of the edelweiss can be dried (and thus preserved) in such a way that its shape and color are completely preserved. For this reason, the flower also has the name “Immortals of the Alps” (“Immortelle des Alpes”), coined by French Alpine residents. Elsewhere, the plant was also known as “star flower” or “lionfoot” due to its flower shape; the name “edelweiss” is actually an import that was only invented in the wake of growing enthusiasm for the Alps.
From proof of love to military medals
Edelweiss was originally used primarily in folk medicine. Only when the Alps gradually became important as a destination for early tourists in the 19th century did the flower acquire its current meaning not only as a national symbol, but also as a symbol of love and bravery. Since early - romantic - alpinism was primarily about closeness to nature, physical exercise and courage, the edelweiss, which grew primarily in inaccessible, dangerous locations, represented a test of courage that was intended to prove the bravery and strength of the collector. For the same reason, the edelweiss became a symbol of love; after all, it was a very special gift. Many a lovelorn young man has had a fatal accident while trying to pick an edelweiss.
Edelweiss as a symbol of the Alpine region
Today the edelweiss is still the symbol for the Alpine region and has even been elevated to the national symbol for the Alpine countries of Austria and Switzerland.
Tips & Tricks
The edelweiss is under strict conservation protection and may not be picked. However, there are varieties bred specifically for the home garden, whose parents usually come from the Himalayas.
