May 1st is Labor Day, but it's also the day we give a sprig of lily of the valley to our loved ones. But do you know the origins and history of this tradition? Do you know when it began? We tell you all about it.
Lily of the valley has long been a symbol of spring, but there are several explanations for this French custom. One of them has its origins in the Renaissance. On May 1, 1560, King Charles IX received a bouquet of lily of the valley while traveling in the Drôme region. Conquered, Charles IX decided to offer lily of the valley to each lady of the court every spring.
Much later, the famous bell-shaped plant was displayed on the buttonhole worn by singer Félix Mayol during his first performance on the Concert Parisien stage, on May 1, 1895. Following his success, he made it his emblem.
Another date, another explanation. The lily of the valley is also the plant that the great French couturiers decided to give to their little hands and customers in 1900, during the Belle Époque. A custom was born. Christian Dior made it the emblem of his fashion house.
But then, what's the connection with Labor Day, celebrated every May 1st? The explanation goes back to 1941. That year, Marshal Pétain officially instituted"Labor Day and Social Concord Day". At the same time, he decided to replace the red Eglantine, associated with the left, with the lily of the valley. Abolished after the Liberation, May 1st finally became a paid public holiday in 1948, and the tradition of offering lilies of the valley on May 1st has endured ever since.
May 1st: where to find and how to sell lily of the valley in Paris and Ile-de-France?
Offering lily of the valley on May 1st is a real tradition, these little bells being considered as good luck charms! For this special day, two options are open to you: improvise yourself as a lily of the valley salesman to get a little money or walk in the forests around Paris with your family in search of the precious sprigs of luck. [Read more]
May 1st is a public holiday in France, when we celebrate Labor Day. But do you know exactly why, and do you know the history of May 1st? We tell you. [Read more]
What to do this Wednesday 1ᵉʳ May 2024 in and around Paris, Labor Day? A real public holiday, the first sees many places close to us, so to make sure you don't find yourself with your beak in the water, Sortiraparis nets you the places that are open and the good plans for spending a good Bank Holiday Monday. [Read more]
May is the month of public holidays in France! And it all starts on May 1, with Labor Day. Why not take advantage of this free time to visit the museums and monuments of Paris and the Île-de-France region? Find out which cultural venues are open on this day. [Read more]
Looking for a shopping center or department store open on Wednesday, May 1, 2024? Discover the list of places open or closed to do your shopping in Paris or Île-de-France on this public holiday! [Read more]
May 1st: where to find and how to sell lily of the valley in Paris and Ile-de-France?
What to do in Paris this May 1st 2024 holiday, the best open plans
May 1, 2024 in Paris: museums and monuments open on this public holiday
Stores and shopping centers in Paris and the Île-de-France region open or closed on May 1, 2024
