2010 Love-Purple Orchid in Snow Postage First Class Stamps

The pansy has been a symbol of love and remembrance since ancient times. Its name comes from the French word pensée, meaning “thought,” inspired by the flower’s resemblance to a human face. Across many cultures, pansies are believed to evoke tender thoughts of loved ones and even mend broken hearts.

According to Greek legend, the god of love, Eros (known as Cupid in Roman mythology), once shot an arrow at a young woman, but missed and struck a flower instead — turning it purple and causing it to smile. English playwright William Shakespeare referenced this myth in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where fairies use the magical flower, once “milky white, now purple with the wounds of love,” to create a love potion.

An old German legend tells that the pansy once had an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance that attracted travelers from far and wide. Unfortunately, so many came to smell it that they trampled the surrounding plants, destroying food sources for people and cattle. In compassion, the pansy prayed to God, who removed its scent but blessed it with exquisite beauty instead.

In medieval England, the Knights of the Round Table were said to consult a fortune teller who used the pansy to predict matters of the heart. If the flower bore no more than seven wrinkles on its face, it foretold happiness and good fortune in love.