Yesterday while walking to the library, I couldn't help but notice the flower shops filled with Lily's of the Valley in little pots.  I also noticed women carrying tiny sprigs of this fragrant little flower.  "Why did these plants push forward to the front of the line in the florists line up of flowers?", I thought.

I knew that the following day was Frances Labor Day or "La Fete du Travail" so I googled both.  (Don't you just love google?)  I learned that Lily's of the Valley were given to King Louis IX on May 1, 1561 as a sign of good luck.  He liked the idea so much that he gave them to the ladies of his court the following year.  By the 1900's, men began giving these sweet smelling flowers to women as a sign of affection. 

Today these flowers are a traditional flower to give to close friends and family on May Day/Labor Day.  Individuals are selling them on street corners today all around Paris. 

I told Dan about this tradition and guess who came home with a sprig of Lily of the Valley for me???  He is the sweetest husband that ever was!