May Day, on the first of May, is traditionally a day to celebrate springtime. Did you know that May Day is approximately halfway through spring to the start of summer?

In France, the celebration of spring on the first of May is highlighted with the cheery French tradition known as La Fête du Muguet.

What is Fête du Muguet?

Here’s a quick French lesson: “fête” translates to party or celebration, and “muguet” is the French word for lily of the valley. Essentially, the French celebrate May Day by gifting lily of the valley bouquets to their loved ones. Every year on May 1st, the tradition continues when lily of the valley flowers are sold tax-free on the street!

The History of the Tradition

Why lilies of the valley, and why May 1st? The tradition to give flowers dates back centuries ago to May 1, 1560, when the knight Louis Girard gifted a bouquet of lilies of the valley to King Charles IX. Ever since, the king would give lilies of the valley to the ladies of his court for luck and prosperity in the coming year. 

Today, from the busy paved streets of Paris to the markets in Provence, you can find small vendors on the sides of the road sharing prosperity and good luck to everyone with lilies of the valley bouquets. Springtime at Les Fleurs is also a favorite time to send flowers to loved ones.

Provence Trip

May Day usually occurs during our spring trip to Provence, when Sandra and Sharon Santoni (of My French Country Home) guide a tour group in the South of France for antique shopping, wine tasting, perfume making and a flower designing workshop!

We still remember La Fête du Muguet on our 2019 Provence trip, during our stay at the Château de Moissac-Bellevue, when the owners gifted each member of the group with a bouquet of lilies of the valley. It was unforgettable!

Names for Lily of the Valley

You may have heard these bell-shaped flowers referred to as “May bells,” “Mary’s tears,” “Our Lady’s tears,” or “Muguet” in French. No matter what you call them, a lily of the valley by any other name smells as sweet!

We wish you all a happy May Day and a flowerful spring.

xoxo,
The Fleurettes