Today is un jour férié. It is a day to commemorate a civil or religious event. Depending on the law and the agreements of companies these feast days can be paid or unpaid. Increasingly shops in France are open on rest and relaxation days because of capitalism and people's inability to keep away from shops and shopping. Shame!
May 1st, May Day is Labourer's Day over much of the World. Therefore it ought to be a day free from work but in reality people do work! Indeed I am working on my house today. In France, florists sell Lily of the Valley. It's traditional to offer people a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of spring and of good luck, especially if the sprig has 13 bell flowers. And on this day florists have permission to sell lily of the valley tax-free and probably at a premium price! In France it is called Muguet. It is a beautiful flower but beware it is poisonous. Strange gift to give to friends!
Christians call it Our Lady's tears or Mary's tears. It symbolises humility in religious paintings.
May 1st, May Day is Labourer's Day over much of the World. Therefore it ought to be a day free from work but in reality people do work! Indeed I am working on my house today. In France, florists sell Lily of the Valley. It's traditional to offer people a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of spring and of good luck, especially if the sprig has 13 bell flowers. And on this day florists have permission to sell lily of the valley tax-free and probably at a premium price! In France it is called Muguet. It is a beautiful flower but beware it is poisonous. Strange gift to give to friends!
 |
| Struggling to herald May Day |
No comments:
Post a Comment
It would be lovely to hear what you think.