Love: 2010 Pansies in a Basket

The pansy has long been associated with love. The name comes from the French word pensée. or thought. and was so named because the flower resembled a human face. In many cultures around the world. the pansy has been believed to inspire thoughts of a loved one – and even heal a broken heart.

 

According to Greek legend. Eros (known as Cupid in Roman mythology) once shot a love-inducing arrow at a young woman and missed. hitting a flower. turning it purple. and causing it to smile. British playwright William Shakespeare referenced this myth in his play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In his story. mischievous woodland fairies create a love potion from the love-in-idleness plant. “before milk-white. now purple with love’s wound.” to make the characters fall in love.