⚜ Lily of the valley has been associated with the arrival of spring since ancient times.
👑 On May 1st, 1560, King Charles IX was reportedly given a few sprigs during a visit to Dauphiné. Finding the gesture delicate, he in turn offered these fragrant bells to the ladies of his court the following year. While this story is hard to verify, the custom has endured.
💐 In the revolutionary calendar, lily of the valley is linked to April 26th, the “Republican Day,” while the red wild rose is associated with May 1st. Thus, French workers chose this flower in reference to the red triangle worn by American unionists during their May 1st, 1886 parade.
💮 On May 1st, 1895, the singer Mayol wore a sprig of lily of the valley on his lapel, believing it brought him luck, and he made it his emblem. Lily of the valley was also brought back into fashion by top fashion designers who offered sprigs to their employees and clients. Christian Dior made it his favorite flower.
🌺 However, it was in 1941, under Marshal Pétain, that lily of the valley was officially associated with the “Labor and Social Concord Day,” as the red wild rose was deemed too leftist… Let’s offer lily of the valley, let’s offer happiness!
Are you arriving in France and looking to integrate better, to understand French traditions? Contact us 😉
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