Love Series : Pansies in a Basket Forever Stamp 2010
The pansy, steeped in symbolism, has long been intertwined with the theme of love across various cultures. Its name, derived from the French word pensee, meaning "thought," reflects its association with contemplation and affection, as its resemblance to a human face evokes deep sentiments.
Greek mythology weaves a tale where Eros, the god of love, inadvertently transforms a flower into the pansy after missing his mark with an arrow intended for a young woman. This myth, immortalized by William Shakespeare in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," adds to the pansy's romantic allure.
Ancient German folklore tells of a time when the pansy's fragrance was so enchanting that people journeyed far to inhale its scent. Yet, the flower's popularity led to environmental damage, prompting divine intervention to preserve its beauty while altering its scent.
In English lore, the pansy was employed by fortune tellers to foretell romantic destinies, particularly among the Knights of the Round Table. A pansy with fewer than seven lines on its face was considered auspicious, promising favorable outcomes in matters of the heart.
