There's Something About Snow!

Today, it is snowing in New York! Pictures are all over social media, snapped on camera phones; the excitement is tangible.

So what is it about snow, that moves us into a frenetic state? Why does snow move the emotions? I can hear the pragmatists say because it makes the daily commute difficult, and to clear train lines, roads, and paths is a grind. Some might even say they hate snow, for the inconvenience it creates, and for the misery of being outdoors in the cold.

But then, think about when you first saw snow? How old were you? Who were you with? How did it make you feel?

My earliest memory of snow is a particularly wintry one, when I was a child. Snow was car-roof high, and my late dad and I were shovelling snow off the roof of the car. We were snowed in, in Slough, where my aunt and uncle lived! Oh, the joy of it, and the adventure. In those days we played snowball, and made a snowman, but no-one had thought of snow-angels. Every day, I looked out of the window, delighted at the prospect of another day, playing outdoors during the winter vacation, in the chill of ice and snow, safe in the knowledge that the warmth of indoors and hot soup and bread and butter awaited me.

One thing disappoints me, though. I wish my memory of snow was better! I can't remember the first time I saw snow falling on the ground. Yet, I have a vicarious memory of this.

I was teaching some young students from Gujerat, who were new to England. I can remember the joy on their faces, the first time they saw snowfall, and they danced and jumped in the air with joy in the parking lot! You could hear the music of laughter!

Yes, they were young, and I wondered what their memories of snow would be when they were older.

I think that there are reasons that snow moves our emotions when we are adults. Snow symbolizes purity and innocence, play, fun, and laughter. Seeing snow transports us back to our childhood.

And even with its drawbacks, and the responsibilities of adulthood, snow brings us together, creates opportunities for sharing experiences, and for team effort.

Snow makes everywhere look magical. The blanket of snow on the ground is a great equalizer. Even ugly places are transformed. There is a freshness and cleanliness about it. And when snow first falls, you can stand quite still, in wonder; listen to the silence.

Copyright, Suzy Davies, 09/02/2017. No Copying.