Source: gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France
Native to Japan and present in Europe since the Middle Ages, lily of the valley, also known as the valley lily, adds a touch of poetry to our springs with its pretty white bells. On May 1st, it is customary to give a few sprigs to our loved ones. But do you really know the origin of this popular tradition?
What do Charles IX and lily of the valley have in common?
During the reign of Charles IX, on May 1, 1560, it is said that the king received a sprig of lily of the valley during a trip to the Drôme region. He is said to have appreciated this gesture so much that he decided from then on to give a sprig of lily of the valley to the ladies of the court every spring, as a good-luck charm. This was followed by numerous anecdotes that helped give lily of the valley its sweet omen of happiness.
Is lily of the valley really a good luck charm?
Later, in 1895, the singer-songwriter Félix Mayol, author of the famous song “Viens poupoule,” is said to have also received a sprig of lily of the valley as a gift from his Parisian friend Jenny Cook. He reportedly pinned it to his jacket during his first stage 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 and associate the lily of the valley with this symbolic reference to good luck.
The day Christian Dior made lily of the valley the emblem of his fashion house
Some Haute Couture designers, such as Christian Dior, also seemed to believe in this good-luck custom. While Christian Dior gave lily of the valley to his clients, he even made this delicate flower with white bells the emblem of his fashion house.
Lily of the Valley, May 1, and Labor Day
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that lily of the valley was finally associated with Labor Day. Under Pétain, Workers’ Day thus became “Labor Day.” With its brilliant white color, lily of the valley then replaced the red wild rose associated with the left…
One last secret: rumor has it that whoever finds a sprig of lily of the valley with thirteen bells will be particularly favored by fate… This Friday, May 1, when you visit the florist, keep your eyes peeled and count the delicate bells—you might just have a lucky hand…