Lily of the Valley

It is a tradition on this day to offer a sprig of lily-of-the-valley (“muguet” in French) to loved ones, and in the week leading up to May Day you can buy bunches in every florist and most supermarkets, either as cut flowers or as plants in pots.

The French tradition of giving lily-of-the-valley flowers on May Day is supposed to have begun on May 1st, 1561, when King Charles IX of France was presented with a bunch of lily-of-the-valley flowers as a token of luck and prosperity for the coming year. He began the custom of presenting lily-of-the-valley flowers to the ladies of his court each year on May 1st.
There was also an old European tradition of “bals de muguet” or Lily-of-the-Valley dances; once a year, this was a rare occasion for young singles to meet without having to get parents’ permission. The girls would dress in white and the boys would wear a sprig of muguet as a buttonhole.
From around 1900, it became traditional in France for men to present a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley flowers to their girlfriends to express their love and affection. Nowadays “muguet” flowers are also given as a general token of appreciation between close friends and family members.

I have just realised this is my 2000th blip.  How did that happen?  My thanks to all those who take the trouble to read my blips. It is a great community and I have often been offered great support and encouragement.  It is much appreciated.  I'll keep plodding on no doubt.