About two weeks ago, I saw a lot of small pots of this pure white lily of the valleys in the supermarket near my home. I thought that they would only import a type flower in season to sell. But today when I talked to my husband suring breakfast and referred to the film "Les enfants du marais", I remember that on Labor Day, in France, people give lily of the valleys to their loved ones. They also call this day La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley Day). In the week leading up to May Day we can start to give lily of the valleys (maybe a bunch or a flower pot) to our friends and loved ones.
This flower was introduced from Japan. It symbolizes the luck charm for the Celtic people.
The tradition of providing lily of the valleys tradition began in France in 1561 during the reign of King Charles IX. A bouquet of orchids is a symbol of luck and prosperity. History does not mention who gave the king this flower, but he came up with the idea and started to give flowers to the ladies of his court each year on May 1st.
There is also an old European tradition of the "bals de muguet" dance or lilly of the valleys dance. Once a year, this was a rare opportunity for young singles to meet without the permission of their parents. The girls would dress in white and the boys would wear a sprig of lily the valleys on the chest.
Since around 1900, it has become a tradition in France for men to give lily of the valleys to their loved ones to show their love. Nowadays, lily of the valleys are considered as a sign of appreciation among close friends and family members.
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