The Romans celebrated the flower festival in May, the Florals, in honor of Flora, goddess of flowers.
The tradition in France dates back to the Renaissance. In the countryside, people offered branches of trees to counter the curse of winter. As there were plenty of Lily of the Valley that time of the year, it gradually became the symbol of the end of winter/cold.
The tradition in France dates back to the Renaissance. In the countryside, people offered branches of trees to counter the curse of winter. As there were plenty of Lily of the Valley that time of the year, it gradually became the symbol of the end of winter/cold.
On April 24, 1941, Marshal Pétain declared May 1stas "Labor Day", and lily of the valley became a lucky charm that the French offered each others on this date.
You can find them both at florists and sold on the street by private individuals: lily of the valley, on May 1st, is one of the few things that anyone can sell on the street without needing authorization.
This Lily flower is for you:
