Today May 1 festival: the history of lily of the valley on May 1st

This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:

HIBAPRESS-RABAT-SU

May 1 is traditionally the occasion for popular gatherings and parades. But what do we celebrate exactly and since when? Small historical return on the origins of this day and on its symbols in five questions.

The history of thrush on May 1st

This flowery gesture is repeated every year, and its history dates back to a very, very distant past. The thrush that is offered every year on May 1, also called Lys des Vallées, a plant from Japan, has been present in Europe for at least the Middle Ages. The bell plant has always symbolized spring and the Celts gave it a lucky charm.

Offering lily of the valley did not become popular until May 1, 1900 when, during a party organized by the great Parisian couturiers, all women received a touch of thrush. The “little hands” were seduced by the idea, and this is how the flower took its emblematic dimension.

Nowadays, lily of the valley is more than ever the flower of May 1, as much for its political scope as for its lucky virtues. And that day in the street, everyone has the right to sell strands of thrush!