I know it's still a couple of days or so away, but I'm looking so forward to May and all it has to offer that I'm jumping in ahead of time! The 1st of May is a French holiday. May Day was originally a joyous pagan holiday celebrating the promise of spring, now in France it's actually their Labor Day. But it's that sweet custom of offering loved ones and neighbors the floral gesture in celebration of spring that I find most endearing. It's la Fête du Muguet!
A few days before the day, vendors pop up on every corner, selling bouquets of Muguet de Bois, or Lily of the Valley. Although selling any kind of flowers on the street in France always requires a permit - along with the endless European bureaucratic waiting, filling out forms etc. - for this special holiday, anyone, everywhere in France is exempted. No permits, no taxes required, just the pure joy of selling those adorable white flowers!
Muguet de bois are the most beautiful delicate looking flowers, they grow as a wild woodland plant throughout Europe. They were not really considered a garden plant until the mid 16th century. Since the Renaissance, they have been considered to bring good fortune or luck.
Each clochette shaped flower has the sweetest scent. Every florist shop in France offers both bouquets of the bell shaped wonders, as well as potted plants. Often, shopkeepers will add a small token - un brin de muguet- to each regular customer's order. Beautifully boxed treats will leave the local patisserie with a ribbon and a petit bouquet of the flowers tucked under the bow.
Antique Hand Painted Muguet de Bois Porcelain Vase
Vintage Linen Muguet de Bois Tablecloth
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? OR FLORAL CUSTOM?
See you next time!
31 comments
So fun, I can only imagine what a beautiful sentiment that is. Not to mention all the friends popping by!!
Lily of the Valley was my Mom’s favorite flower… in fact, my Dad had some inscribed on her headstone. It is a very precious tangible thing that brings back sweet memories of her and him.
Vicky, how lucky! I love these little dainty flowers too, they are so sweet, and yes, they smell so wonderful, don’t they? Your trip with your sister sounds divine, I’m sure you two had a memory making time there.
Hop you have a beautiful Friday, Eileen!
I love that memory, Rita. And your words “my heart smiles each time lilacs bloom” how you mother would love that it does! My heart smiles each time I smell roses, it was my mom’s favorite scent. It always makes my heart glad. xo
I hope your hand-me-down {aren’t those the best?} lily of the valley thrives in your garden, Jethelyn!
Wishing you a beautiful weekend, Mary!
Thank you, Amie, isn’t it the sweetest custom?
That is such a wonderful memory of your neighbor Katie.
Like you, I go along and say each flower is my favorite too – but the hydrangeas, roses and pansies are always at the top of that list!
Love Lily of the valley , our neighbor use to have them in her yard . She has passed but when I see them , I think of dear Katie . My favorite flowers hydrangeas , roses and pansies . Of course as thing bloom I go along and say each one is my favorite . Spring and fall are my favorite time of year I really look forward to your blogs and now that I signed up for Instagram too thank you , you inspire me.