Meaning and History
- Name Origin: The name pansy comes from the French word pensée, which means “thought”.
- Symbolism: Because of their name, they have long been a symbol of remembrance, affection, and thoughtfulness. During the Victorian era, people exchanged them to express romantic interest or to say “my thoughts are with you”.
- Literary Roots: Pansy juice was famously used as a love potion in William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- February Birth Flower: The pansy (along with the violet) serves as the official birth flower for February, with rich purple varieties often paired with February’s birthstone, amethyst.