Alpine Nature
Alpine Landscape
The Alps are an exceptional region be it weather, wildlife or botanic phenomenons. In this section we will show some insights, talk about special plants from flowers, bushes, moss to trees and animals.
The subjects are extensive, als the alpine region has different rock massives from high mountains to valleys and covers various European countries from France, to Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia.
Edelweiss
Some that read the name of this flower, hear as first association a little slow melody: "Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me,
Small and white,
Clean and bright,
You look happy to meet me."
This song got popular through the musical "The Sound of Music", which tells the story of the Trapp family and is taking place in the city of Salzburg. This song is not the Austrian national anthem and not even an Austrian traditional, but from the pen of Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) and Richard Rodgers (melody).
The flower Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) grows in the Alps, similar species are also growing in the Himalayan territory. The name has the meaning noble white. The edelweiss is part of the sunflower family and is the most famous alpine flower. It is often considered Alpine icon (it is the logo of the Austrian, Swiss, German and Southtyrol Alpine Mountaineering Club).
The flower looks felted, it grows in the high mountains on meadows and limestone rocks between 1,800 and 3.00 meters altitude. The edelweiss is extremely rare in Germany, Switzerland and Austria and should not be picked up. Dried edelweiss, which are sold come from plantations.
There are several legends and myths about the alpine flower edelweiss, e.g. for love potions and strenghthening love powers. In earlier times, it was as a special evidence of love, to give them to the special girl one fancied, as the magnificent flower only grows in very rocky and dangerous places. Only courageous boys dared to climb up to these lofty heights. But the Edelweiss is as well a symbol of endurance, freedom and pure nature. The edelweiss was popular under kings and emperors. A famous painting shows Sisi, Empress Elisabeth, with precious edelweiss jewellery in her long hair.
A real Austrian song, featuring "Edelweiss" is:
"So when you really love me darling, bring me Edelweiss" first text line in "Bring me Edelweiss" by the band Edelweiss. Another important word is "Freibier" (beer for free) and rucksack, the melody is with some waltz, juchizen, jodler and a little landler - and more modern musical influences.
The complete text of the song by Hammerstein and Rodgers Jr.:
Edelweiss
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Every morning you greet me,
Small and white,
Clean and bright,
You look happy to meet me.
Blossom of snow,
May you bloom and grow,
Bloom and grow forever.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
Bless my homeland forever.
In the mood for some personal edelweiss? Have a look at our Alpine webstore:
01.04.2008. 22:04