1 mai 2009

FRIDAY

In France, May first is Labor Day thus a day for worker strikes, but it is also a day to give out bouquets of lily of the valley, which are thought to bring good luck.

In Montluçon, there were no demonstrations, but I did see this Front de Gauche (Left Front) poster on the side of a building.

Since it was a national holiday, the streets of Montluçon were quite empty other than the people selling bouquets of lily of the valley.

King Charles IX of France started the lily of the valley tradition in the 1560s. The French government allows bouquets of lily of the valley can be sold tax free, which is was engages so many sellers to flock the streets in May Day.

two gentlemen font la bise (do the cheek kisses upon greeting). stands set up outside the train station.

Two people set up on opposing street corners selling the small bouquets of lily of the valley.