Native to Japan and present in Europe since the Middle Ages, the lily of the valley enchants us every spring with its pretty white bells. On May 1st, we like to offer a few sprigs to our loved ones. But do we really know the origins of this popular custom? In the time of Charles IX, on a certain May 1, 1560, it is said that the king was offered a sprig of lily of the valley during a trip to the Drôme. He so appreciated the attention that he decided to give a sprig of lily of the valley to the ladies of the Court every spring, for good luck. A number of anecdotes followed, all of which contributed to the lily of the valley’s reputation as a sweet harbinger of good fortune…
Is lily of the valley a lucky charm?
Later, in 1895, singer-songwriter Félix Mayol, author of the famous song “Viens poupoule”, also received a sprig of lily of the valley as a gift from his Parisian friend Jenny Cook. He pinned it to his jacket during his first performance at the Concert Parisien. Although his performance was a triumph, Félix Mayol kept this precious sprig of lily of the valley, helping to revive the custom.
When Christian Dior offered lilies of the valley to his customers…
Some couturiers, like Christian Dior, also seemed to believe in this lucky custom. If Christian Dior gave lilies of the valley to his customers, he made the delicate flower with its white bells the emblem of his fashion house. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that lilies of the valley were finally associated with Labor Day. Under Pétain, Workers’ Day became “Labor Day”. The bright white lily of the valley replaced the red rosehip associated with the left…
Another little secret: it’s rumoured that the person who finds a sprig of lily of the valley with thirteen bells is particularly lucky… This Sunday at the florist’s, keep your eyes open and count the delicate bells – you could be lucky…