Pensées

The word pansies comes from the French word pensées, which means “thoughts”. For centuries, pansies have been given as symbols of remembrance, contemplation and love.

On a visit to a local nursery, I saw thousands of pensées, or pansies, in all colors. One of the first flowering spring plants in Massachusetts, they are also practical. Both their petals and leaves are edible, and have a slightly spicy flavor similar to lettuce. They are a source of vitamins A and C.

There are about 400 varieties of pansies. They are popular due to their hardiness and adaptability.

In Victorian times sending pansies as a gift meant “I’m thinking of you”. Coded messages of feelings or intentions toward another person were sent via the color of a particular flower.

Although the symbolism of colors might change over the years, blue often symbolized peace, tranquility and faithfulness.

Orange often meant energy and enthusiasm.

White most often symbolized purity.

Cheerfulness and happiness was symbolized by yellow; red could stand for thoughts of love.

Wishing you many colorful thoughts this spring!

24 thoughts on “Pensées”

  1. What a lovely blog post! One of my friends just bought a bunch of pansies (her specific type was called a VIOLA, I think…) to go into her new front flower bed. I am going to forward your blog post to her. And maybe I will plant (and then nibble) some pansies, too, in my yard.

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  8. One of my favorite flowers! I did not know that pansies came from the French word for thought. I might just have to use that in one of my stories.

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