May 1st is celebrated as the worker's day (or Labour day) in most of Europe. Thoughout France, people offer the Muguet de bois (Lily of the valley) as a symbol of happiness and good luck for the rest of the year. It was a tradition started from Charles IX, as May was the time that marriage bans were posted and stems muguets were used to decorate the entrance to the homes of the future brides.
In France, Anyone can sell muguet (or any other flowers) on May 1st without having to apply for a vendor's licence or declare their earnings. Interestingly enough, in 2000, Robert Hue of the Communist Party declared to a judge that the major revenues for the Communist was through sales on Muguet on May 1st.
This was one of my favourite memories from my Paris days. All the shops would be closed with the exception of restaurants, florists and the boulangeries. It was a time to relax and visit family and of course, to bring home a few stems of muguet.
So, don't forget to tip your concierge and pass on a stem or two of muguet to your friends.
That was a nice post, even if I'm a bit late in reading it. I was given a muguet from a vender at our local market as a goodwill gesture (I live in So. France) just last week. I love the smell of those flowers, and that's a beautiful picture you posted.
Posted by: Krista at May 12, 2005 08:26 AMWhat a lovely post about my favorite flower. Thanks!
Posted by: Julie at May 4, 2005 02:30 PMThanks for the walk down memory lane...
A roommate and I visited Paris from London over this holiday weekend not thinking of its significance (none to Americans). Our hotel was in a non-touristy arrondissement, so we found ourselves searching of food - any food - that morning. Made our way to city center hoping there would be more shops open. I'll never forget arriving at the massive doors of the Louvre to find a tiny bit of paper with the message "The museum is closed" tacked to the door. We figured it out (oh, yeah it’s May 1st – duh) and split up in search of bread. Ended up by myself in the middle of a Le Pen rally (this was 1988). I kept my mouth shut.
Anyway, I’ve been reading your blog for the Rowan projects, but this was a nice diversion.
Posted by: Nancy at May 3, 2005 04:02 AMInteresting info. We have our Flora Day in Helston next weekend where everybody wears a corsage of lily of the valley whilst watching dancers waltz through the streets of the town. A lovely day, I think it has its roots in a pagan celebration of Spring. One of the interesting dances is the 'Hal-an-Tow' where people dress up as trees and sing as they dance. You have to be there, really...
Posted by: Anita at May 2, 2005 06:54 PMThat photograph is beautiful! :)
Posted by: parikha at May 2, 2005 06:17 PMThanks for the info, I have a goal of learning something new every day, so your post just covered me for today!
Posted by: Rebekah at May 2, 2005 03:56 PMWow, thanks for the great info! I'm so happy that other people love Lilies of the Valley as much as I do!
Posted by: Tara at May 2, 2005 12:47 PMI have my pot de muget here in the office right now :) There are so many Muget stories... me I just like Lily of the Valley.
So I made a donation to the Red Cross and I have a pretty plant from a GORGEOUS wandering Sunday!
My most favourite flowers of all and most favourite perfume. Unfortunately, far too warm and humid even in Winter to grow them in Sydney but I always treat myself to a little bunch from the florist now and then. The photo is so lovely I can almost smell the perfume through the screen.
Posted by: Lesley at May 1, 2005 10:54 PMAck! It's May day! It snuck up on me! I meant to have my little girls give out little baskets of flowers today!
Posted by: Wendi at May 1, 2005 09:55 PMso beautiful! Thanks for the information! What a good idea to have a "flower/family" day.... have a great time!
Posted by: Dani at May 1, 2005 01:52 PMI didn't know the French name--so thanks!
Beautiful picture!
Posted by: Colleen at May 1, 2005 01:22 PMJust this morning I noticed I have a dozen or so out in the garden......I knew the French name, but not the signifigance!
Posted by: Jill at May 1, 2005 01:05 PM