Snowflake Appreciation Day

Snowflake Appreciation Day is observed annually on December 18. This day is dedicated to examining the intricate beauty of ice crystals and understanding the atmospheric science that makes every flake unique.

History of Snowflake Appreciation Day

While the specific origin of this observance is unclear, it is spiritually and historically rooted in the work of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley. Born in Jericho, Vermont, Bentley was a farmer and self-educated meteorologist who became the first person to successfully photograph a single snow crystal in 1885. Before his work, the complex structure of snowflakes was difficult to study because they melted so quickly. By adapting a microscope to a bellows camera, he captured over 5,000 distinct images during his lifetime, proving that snow crystals are not just frozen water, but elaborate hexagonal masterpieces.

Bentley’s work fundamentally changed how the world viewed winter precipitation. In 1931, the year of his death, he published Snow Crystals, a monograph that remains a standard reference in the field. His famous observation that “no two snowflakes are alike” captured the public imagination and gave snow a romantic and scientific allure. This holiday continues his legacy by encouraging people to stop and look closely at the white powder that blankets the ground, recognizing it as a collection of individual, transient works of art.

Why is Snowflake Appreciation Day important?

This day highlights the incredible physics hidden in plain sight. A snowflake forms when water vapor condenses directly into ice high in the atmosphere, bypassing the liquid phase. As the crystal falls to Earth, it experiences varying temperatures and humidity levels, which dictate its growth pattern. This process results in the six-sided symmetry we recognize, yet ensures that the precise branching of every arm is singular to that specific crystal’s journey. Understanding this process turns a common weather event into a fascinating lesson in crystallography and atmospheric dynamics.

On a broader level, the holiday encourages a pause in the often hectic winter season. In December, snow is frequently viewed as a nuisance that complicates travel or requires shoveling. This observance shifts the perspective from inconvenience to wonder. It asks people to appreciate the fleeting nature of the season and the quiet, delicate structures that create the winter landscape. It serves as a reminder that nature produces complex beauty without human intervention.

• Celebrates the pioneering scientific work of Wilson Bentley
• Reminds us to find beauty in cold winter weather
• Teaches the physics of crystallization and atmospheric science
• Encourages patience and close observation of nature
• Highlights the unique character of every natural element

How to Observe Snowflake Appreciation Day

The most direct way to observe the day is to go outside during a snowfall with a dark piece of fabric or construction paper. Catching flakes on a dark background allows you to see their individual structures before they melt or clump together. If you have a smartphone with a macro lens or a magnifying glass, you can inspect the crystals up close. This simple activity reveals the difference between stellar dendrites (the classic star shapes) and simple prisms or needles, which form at different temperatures.

If the weather does not cooperate, you can bring the appreciation indoors by creating your own six-sided paper snowflakes. Unlike the random folding often done in schools, you can use tutorials to fold paper specifically to replicate real hexagonal symmetry. Reading about Wilson Bentley or browsing his public domain archives of snowflake photography is another excellent way to honor the day. These black-and-white images remain some of the most stunning examples of nature photography ever produced.

• Catch falling snow on black velvet or dark paper
• Use a magnifying glass to inspect crystal shapes
• Fold and cut anatomically correct paper snowflakes
• Visit an online archive of Wilson Bentley’s photography
• Read a book about meteorology or weather science

Snowflake Appreciation Day Dates