The 1st May. The day the French celebrate and humans worldwide in Foreign countries. Labor day and how the French would take the occasion to pick or purchase a strand of Lilies from the valley. Known as “Muguets”. To celebrate the return of Spring.
This French tradition dates back to the beginning of the century.
Unemployed people would venture into the woods that existed in the big cities’ suburbs so they’d pick lilies of the valley.
Back then unemployment benefits weren’t in place so people had to find a way of making ends meet.
The lily of the valley is in full bloom in early May, and is one of the first spring flowers to spring. Hence the symbol.
It is one of those wild plants that’s also considered as weed. It spreads very quickly and goes everywhere, invading clearings, woods and edges.
They’d sell these in the markets and the streets, because women once loved decorating their blouses with a single strand of lily of the valley. Many considered it a lucky charm.
The origins of Labour Day or Premier Mai in French is quite different from that of the FĂŞte du Muguet.
They go back to May 1, 1886 in Chicago when Americans unions launched a strike movement to obtain the 8-hour working day.
The movement lasted until May 4 and paralyzed many factories.
The major riots that ensued ended by a dozen dead, including seven policemen.
Five anarchists were later sentenced to death.
From the following year protesters wore a red triangle on their jackets to symbolize their triple claim: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep and 8 hours of leisure time everyday.
