Wishing You a Lovely May Day

Happy La Fête du Muguet!

Huge bloom at Black Rock Campground, Joshua Tree National Park

As I am reflecting and collecting my thoughts about my recent East Coast visit, I want to wish you all a Happy May 1st! With roots in many countries, May Day celebrates spring’s arrival!

Since ancient times, the advent of spring has been celebrated as a revival of life after winter. Whether it originated with Druids and tree worship, Roman festivals honoring Flora, or in ancient Egypt…spring is welcome. In Medieval England, May Day was a favorite; flowers were gathered to decorate homes and churches.

Many remember dancing around a Maypole or seeing pictures of one!

While 1 May is Labor Day in France, it is also May Day celebrated with bouquets of muguet or lily of the valley.  When I was traveling out of Paris to Bretagne in 2019, I saw small bouquets being sold everywhere: on the streets of Paris, in flower shops, and even from homes as children often sell lemonade in the US. Everyone has a right to sell muguet on 1 May in France!  I found myself in a lovely shop in Dol-De-Bretagne where I bought a sprig of the Lily of the Valley. Happy La Fête du Muguet!

May Day Lily of the Valley , Dol-De-Bretagne flower shop exterior and interior, the little spirig of muguet I bought, you may remember the scent Muguet des Bois (wild lily of the Valley), making my own May Day wreath - I use a grape vine wreath that was my mother's, my wreath on the door, hike at Black Rock, garden flowers to make a wreath

Today, a friend and I walked our usual trail at Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. It was bursting with new growth, and we saw the largest nolina blooms I have ever seen!

I’d love to hear how you spend your May Day!

Inspired by all of you,