The pansy, a cultivated hybrid of the Viola tricolor wildflower, is one of the most culturally significant and recognizable garden flowers. Known scientifically as Viola tricolor hortensis, this bloom is celebrated for its wide array of vibrant colors and its striking, often face-like, pattern. Across various cultures and historical periods, the pansy has been imbued with deep symbolism, making it a powerful messenger in the language of flowers.
The Core Meaning of Thought and Remembrance
The central meaning of the pansy is rooted directly in its name, which is a linguistic transplant from the French word pensée. This French noun translates to “thought,” establishing the flower’s primary association with contemplation, reflection, and memory. To present someone with a pansy was, therefore, a direct floral message saying, “I am thinking of you.”
This core symbolism extends to deep emotional connections and the act of remembrance. The flower’s appearance often reflects this meaning, as the blossom naturally nods forward slightly, as if the flower head is bowed in deep meditation or thoughtful consideration.
Interpreting Symbolism Through Color
The specific meaning conveyed by a pansy can be subtly altered depending on the hue of its petals. Purple pansies are traditionally linked to royalty and nobility, signifying deep thought, admiration, and profound respect for the recipient.
Yellow pansies carry a lighter, more cheerful association, representing happiness and the remembrance of joyful times. However, some interpretations link the bright yellow to a negative connotation, such as remembrance tinged with jealousy or unrequited love. White pansies symbolize purity and innocence, but they can also indicate the start of a new beginning. Blue pansies typically convey a message of faithfulness, loyalty, and lasting love.
Pansies in Literature and Floriography
The pansy held a prominent position in floriography, the intricate “language of flowers” popular during the Victorian era. In a society where overt emotional expression was often discouraged, the exchange of floral bouquets allowed for discreet communication. The pansy’s message of “You occupy my thoughts” was a versatile signal of affection, often used to communicate romantic feelings or forbidden love.
The flower’s symbolism is cemented by its appearance in the works of William Shakespeare, particularly in two of his most famous plays. In Hamlet, the character Ophelia distributes pansies during her tragic scene of madness, declaring, “And there is pansies, that’s for thoughts.” This moment powerfully links the flower to her troubled mind and plea for remembrance. Shakespeare also features the pansy, under the common name “Love-in-idleness,” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where its juice is used as a potent love potion to cause characters to fall madly in love.
Mythology and the Flower’s Appearance
The visual characteristics of the pansy have historically contributed to its symbolic meaning. The flower’s most distinguishing feature is the dark, centralized markings on its petals, which often create a pattern that resembles a human face. This “face” is believed to be the reason the flower was associated with deep thought and contemplation.
A common Roman fable explains the origin of the pansy’s striking coloration through an association with the god Cupid. The flower was originally pure white until Cupid’s arrow, intended for a virgin, missed its target and struck the flower instead. The resulting “love’s wound” stained the flower with a deep purple center, giving the pansy its enduring connection to love, passion, and the power of enchantment.