Muguet

We woke to a beautiful blue sky this morning, and a ‘pinch and a punch first of the month, no returns’ (it’s a childhood thing). In the UK 1st May is known as May Day, but in France the 1st of May is celebrated as labour day. It carries with it a very old tradition, which I love. If you offer someone a sprig of lily of the valley (Muguet) it brings good luck, so make sure you accept it if anyone offers you one. I love Lily of the Valley, it’s quite an old fashioned flower, but has a beautiful sweet smelling scent.

I was offered a brin de Muguet outside the bakers this morning, however I did need to hand over 2 euros for the privilege. I don’t mind a bit of entrepreneur spirit.

Apparently this tradition dates back to 1st May in 1561 when King Charles IX offered a sprig of Muguet to every lady in his court. This charming little tradition has continued every year since then. Today it is big business with around 60 million sprigs of muguet sold in France every year. That’s a lot of luck.