Similarly to our post earlier this year about the tradition of buying Mimosas, on May 1st you will see most people buying a small bouquet of Lily-of-the-Valley in France. May 1st marks “La Fête du Muguet” (muguet = lily-of-the-valley) or “Le Premier Mai”. May 1st also marks a French national holiday, the “Fête du Travail”.
It’s a popular custom in France to offer Muguets to their loved ones as a symbol of luck and happiness. On May 1st you can find the little flowers sold everywhere. In stores, by street vendors and florists, you’ll easily be able to purchase them. The flowers are usually decorated with a small red, white, and blue ribbon, like those of the French flag. People also buy these bouquets to celebrate International Workers’ Day, which is a public holiday in France.
The tradition of buying Muguets on May 1st has its roots in the Renaissance era and has evolved over time. The origin can be traced back to the 16th century, to an event involving King Charles IX of France. The story goes that on May 1st 1561, Charles received a sprig of lily-of-the-valley as a lucky charm or a token of good fortune. He was so delighted by the gesture that he decided to adopt it as a symbol of luck and prosperity. He also gifted it to many ladies thereafter on May 1st, thus the tradition was born.
It’s worth noting that while the tradition of buying lily-of-the-valley on May 1st is primarily associated with France, it is also observed in some other countries, such as Belgium and parts of Switzerland.