It is May 1, the sky is blue and it is supposed to rain at 3 p.m. You would never know it; not a cloud in the sky. This is a holiday and all is quiet. A food store in our neighborhood is open, the local cafés are closed. A boulangerie on Boulevard Beaumarchais is open as are the cafés around Place des Vosges.
May 1 is Labor Day in France and lily of the valley (muguet) sellers are dotted around the streets. One is in Place des Vosges and the other in front of the boulangerie. This is the only day that the law allows muguets (pronounced: moogay) to be sold. The flower represents a celebration of springtime and luck for the year ahead. The tradition began during the Renaissance period, when Charles IX of France received a sprig in 1516 as a lucky charm.
Why is the Muguet Offered on May 1 in France?
Internationally May 1 is Labor Day (Fête du Travail) and the symbol is the rose. In France, the red rose was substituted by the muguet as a sign of peace.
I set out this morning to find photos that say “France”. I made it from Bastille to Place des Vosges and found France in many ways.
On my return, I passed a couple had just ordered and been served espressos and a glass of water along La Rue du Pas-de-la-Mule. I saw the pain au chocolat, the newspaper, Le Figaro, two espressos and a glass of water. I asked if I could take a photo. She put down the cup. Now that image to me said “France”!
