Bonjour,
I hope that you and yours are well.
Yesterday was May Day here in France, a national holiday that celebrates two events.
In France we go a bit mad in May as we have four national holidays. Yes, really 4! May 1 is the Fête du Travail – Labor Day, which is all about celebrating workers’ rights. The Fête du Travail in France began in 1793 just after the French Revolution. It was originally in mid-January but in the late 1880s when the United States began its campaign for a Labor Day, the French changed their Fête du Travail to match the growing labour movement.
1 May is also the Fete du Muguet in France. Muguet means lily of the valley. And for almost 500 years, it’s been a tradition to give these delicate, pretty flowers to those you love, friends and family. It all began in 1561 when French King Charles IX was given a sprig on 1st May. He thought it such a lovely idea he gave the flowers to all the ladies of the court for May Day the next year. And the habit became part of French history… So May Day in France is like saying “I love you” and “I respect your right to a fair wage” all at once! If you want to know more about yesterday’s national day of celebration – we have a petite podcast episode dedicated to the history of May Day (just click and play)…
I’m off to the Var region of France very soon – I’ll be going to lovely Bormes-les-Mimosoas, Draguignan, Hyeres, Toulon, Le Lavandou, Cotignac and a few more gorgeous southern French places – come with me via Instagram as I’ll post photos and videos as I go.
Meanwhile I wish you a very bon weekend
Bisous
Janine
Editor
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