Muguet de bois-Lilly of the Valley

May 1, 2008May 1st is called May Day and is a National Holiday-Labor Day.

The French do have a most charming custom to usher in the month of May: the buying for oneself or one's loved ones or friends a pot or bouquet of lily of the valley (muguet de bois). Lily of the valley is referred to as a "porte-bonheur"--literally, "bringer of happiness" or perhaps what we would call a good luck charm. A few days before May Day, you begin to see vendors popping up on every corner selling lily of the valley. Although at all other times of the year, selling any kind of flowers or anything else on the street requires paying for a permit, merry May Day is exempted from this evil tax, and anyone can sell the blossoms anywhere without a permit. And of course, every florist has pots and bouquets of lily of the valley dominating their outdoor displays. Commuters are everywhere clutching their lily of the valley, to be offered to girl- or boyfriend, husband or wife, neighbor, boss, you name it.

Here is my Muguet de bois from my dear friend Janet.