The first of May is the day that France celebrates the charming muguet (mew-GAY).
In English we say ‘lily of the valley.’
In either language there is much to like about this tiny, fragrant, snow-white blossom.
Since the Middle Ages, the French custom on May 1 is to give a sprig or ‘brin de muguet’ as a good luck token. The blossoms, called ‘clochettes’ or tiny bells, are thought to be especially lucky if they grow in a group of 13 on a stalk. A sort of French four-leaf clover.
Today in France brins de muguet are sold in the streets. Sprigs are exchanged between family and friends. The occasional doorbell rings to announce a basket of muguet left by a mysterious admirer.
We have a personal attachment to this woodland flower, which grew in abundance at our childhood home. We love the idea that it has its own holiday.
So this year we designed a special couture piece that celebrates the muguet. Coming soon!