Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

May First, Lily of the Valley

 

Black and white lily of the valley

 

In France today is a public holiday which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement.

On May 1st, 1561, King Charles IX of France received a Lily of the Valley (Muguets) as a lucky charm

and thereafter decided to offer one each year to the ladies of the court. From the first year, I arrived in France, to this present day French Husband has given me a brin of Lily of the Valley. He is so French and this American Wife appreciates every bit of it, well maybe not all of his Frenchness.

xxx

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

9 responses to “May First, Lily of the Valley”

  1. Marilyn

    Happy May 1st! I love this day, as both of my children were born on this day 4 years apart.

    Reply
  2. Ali

    The best smelling flower….
    Ali

    Reply
  3. Sharon Crigger-Stokan

    What a wonderful holiday… And such a sweet husband. Lilies of the Valley! One of my favorites. It will be a while before mine are in bloom here in Michigan.

    Reply
  4. Barbara Blizzard

    What a lovely day it was. Delighted to see all the flower sellers as we drove along the beaches west of Marseille and then around the Etang de Berre. I love the smell of the Lilies of the Valley, especially since it was the first perfume I was given as a young girl by my Mother.

    Reply
  5. Jeanne

    I love all the things you share about your life in France. My late beloved Mother loved Lily of the Valley. I always had them growing in my gardens for her. Blessings for May and always
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  6. Susan May

    I love lilies of the valley, so sweet.
    I look at May Day as our own personal holiday! 😉
    Gotta say, I love being a May!

    Reply
  7. Kathleen

    Lucky you,I adore Lily of the Valley!What a lovely French custom!

    Reply
  8. Chris Wittmann

    I have them growing under my apple trees, as does my neighbor. They perfume the whole neighborhood when in bloom. Between the lilacs and lily of the valley it’s a pure treat for the senses!

    Reply
  9. Donna Boucher

    Sweet tradition. 🙂

    Reply

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