France For A Year --- Me, My Son, My Dog (and a husband back home!)

 

Lily of the Valley (Muguets)

"On May 1, 1561, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a lily of the valley each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of springtime, on May 1. The government permits individuals and workers' organisations to sell them tax-free. It is also traditional for the lady receiving the sprig of lily of the valley to give a kiss in return. Nowadays, people may present loved ones either with bunches of lily of the valley or dog rose flowers.[10]"  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day

I received the above "muguets"  (via email)
from my friend Irène wishing me beaucoup de bonheur, 
or much happiness;   the French custom
for May Day.  Of course this is a national
holiday so everything will be closed today.
You will see people along the roadside and
in the woods searching for the lily of
the valley.



The Wheel of the Year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In theSouthern Hemisphere these festivals are commonly
shifted by six months to match the local seasons.

Of course, this celebration on May 1st 

has been borrowed from previous 

Celtic celebrations of Bealtaine;

considered a cross-quarter day, 

marking the midpoint in the Sun's

 progress between the spring equinox and summer solstice

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane 

The Celtic celebration was borrowed

 from the celebration of Flora,

Roman goddess of flowers.....and

the Roman celebrations was borrowed from....????

Bealtine was the traditional first day of

summer for the Celts.  It would be nice

if we actually saw Spring first here in France!

In Catholic elementary school

we celebrated May Day by crowning

Our Lady, the Mother of God with a

wreath of fresh flowers.  

Great bonfires would mark a time of purification and transition,
heralding in the season in the hope of a good harvest later in the year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane 

As our cycle of life continues to spin

through the seasons

I wish you beaucoup de bonheur.