Monday, May 2, 2011

Happy Premier Mai!

Yesterday was May 1st, which in France is a special holiday. It is la FĂȘte du Travail (Labor Day), which is a paid day off for all French workers since 1947 (sadly, it fell on a Sunday this year!), and has traditionally become a day of labor-union demonstrations in large cities in France, and mainly in Paris.

photo credit: bibliofrance.org

It is also a tradition to give friends and family a bouquet of Lily of the Valley, or Muguet. Muguet symbolizes spring and happiness, and represents luck to those who give and receive it on May 1st. These fragrant little flowers are sold in every store and street corner on May 1st, truly marking the beginning of spring!

photo credit: audiocity.eu

Happy May!

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