Lily of the Valley especially for my French friends -- Vagabonde, Therese, and Miss Yves. (I'm told that sending lily of the valley on May Day is traditional in France.)
Once it was the custom to leave a basket of flowers hanging from your neighbor's door knob (see HERE) -- a charming tradition that has pretty much gone now -- along with the Maypole.
So consider these blossoms your virtual May basket.
You'll have to imagine the Maypole. Or watch THIS.
Also, my maternal grandmother always said that getting wet in the first rain of May would ensure good health in the coming year. She lived to 91. I've already gotten my dose of good health -- it was raining lightly when I went out to fill the bird feeder.
8 comments:
I am very moved and pleased!
Exquisite pictures!
Iris are my favorite flowers!
Yes, sending lily of the valley is traditional in France for this day.
Have a good "premier mai"!
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It's pouring rain here right now. I had only to open the door and I got my dose of health immediately. Didn't even have to step outside. I remember plaiting the Maypole at the grade school Mayday celebrations. I actually liked it much better with the ribbons streaming than when they were braided close to the pole. And making baskets from construction paper and filling them with flowers. Those were the days.
Happy May Day to you, Vicki, and many thanks for reminding me of a childhood custom. When I was about 5 or 6 years old, my friends and I made little paper baskets that we filled with garden flowers to take to neighbors. Must have been about 1949 or 50. xo
Yes I always heard about May Day from the people I know... How and why did it stop, I wonder...
Lily of the valley are gone in our backyard, the weather was too mild, the one which was sold today had been tucked away in fridges, it is very unusual. And now we have frozen nights which are destroying the buds.
Lily of the valley given on May 1st in France is to give you happiness and good luck for the rest of the year - so, thank you Vicki - I'm looking forward to more happiness in 2017!
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