The Muguets of May Day.

Like in many countries of Europe, Belgians have a day off on May 1st, this being recognized as a labour holiday.

But there is another annual event strongly linked to May 1st here in Belgium, and that has to do with "les muguets":

otherwise known as "Lily of the Valley" to you and I.

If you find yourself here on May 1st, you will see people all over the city with baskets or buckets of Lilies of the Valley, offering to sell you a small bouquet that includes a few sprigs and a rose (usually for around 2 Euro) or a simple sprig or two (un brin) for one Euro or less.  It is tradition here to offer Lilies of the Valley on May 1st to those in your life that you wish happiness and good luck.

This dates back to 1561, the year when King Charles the 9th decided to offer Lilies of the Valley to all the ladies of his court.  The gesture was passed among members of the court, and became an annual tradition where the flowers came to be the symbolic bringer of good spirit, good wishes, and good luck.

In French, something that embodies these sentiments is called a "porte-bonheur", (a bringer of good things.)  While we feel they are dainty and smell lovely, Nanesse does find it a little peculiar that they are seen as a "porte-bonheur" since the flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are toxic if ingested, (which would not make them a bringer of good things if given to very small children or pets!)

If you are visiting at this time of year, why not take part in this tradition and offer a "brin" (small bouquet) to a friend or family member?