Posy Palette: Pansies

While the common French name for pansy is pensée since the blossom resembles a human face, especially in warmer months when the flowers droop forward as if in deep thought, we like the English name “heart’s-ease” which came from St. Euphrasia, whose name in Greek means cheerfulness of the mind.

In Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, the juice of the pansy is a love potion while in Hamlet, Ophelia distributes them like thoughts.  And did you know that Margaret Mitchell originally chose the name Pansy for her Gone with the Wind heroine, but changed it to Scarlett at the very last minute?

We like the fact that the typical pansy colors – purple, yellow and white – symbolize memories, loving thoughts and souvenirs… so appropriate for the fleeting months of spring.  Best of all, pretty pansies aren’t just for planting…

We hope your minds are cheerful this weekend!

Photos via Pinterest, StoneGable, Stanley Korshak, Farfetch and Gracious Home