The word for pansy derives from the french word pensée, “thought”. In Spanish it’s the same, “pensamiento”. The symbolism of the pansy is indeed loving thoughts and remembrance as expressed in the following poem by Sara Dowdney:
Pansies
I send thee pansies while the year is young,
Yellow as sunshine, purple as the night;
Flowers of remembrance, ever fondly sung
By all the chiefest of the Sons of Light;
And if in recollection lives regret
For wasted days and dreams that were not true,
I tell thee that the “pansy freak’d with jet”
Is still the heart’s ease that the poets knew
Take all the sweetness of a gift unsought,
And for the pansies send me back a thought.
Here I share a time lapse video of my painting a pansy in watercolor.
Pansies for me mean early spring and the thoughts of a summer ahead of me. What do pansies mean to you?
Your artwork is wonderful, Leyla – beautiful and charming! You are so generous with your talent, as well. I’m having a lovely morning looking through your gallery!
Thank you Rebecca. I’m happy you are enjoying it. My best wishes for a lovely holiday season and a year full of joy and creativity!