Philip

May Day in France.

King Charles IX of France was presented with lily of the valley flowers on May 1, 1561. He liked the gift and decided to present lily of the valley flowers to the ladies of his court each year on May 1. Around 1900, men started to present a bouquet of lily of the valley flowers to women to express their affection. These days the flowers are a more general token of appreciation between close friends and family members.

All the ladies at work were presented with this little bouquet this morning by one of our French concierges who had made them all himself!

Philip never bought flowers for me but rather for the house but I think he could have grown used to this French custom (or rather I am sure I could have persuaded him to!!!).