France - Labour Day May 1st

Many of our present holidays have their roots in ancient pagan customs and the French Labor Day is no different.

Celebrations have occurred in France on May 1st for centuries.  In Britain, France and Germany pagans used to plant a tree to mark the start of spring.  France is predominantly a Catholic country and for them it is the first day of the month of the virgin.

However, today the day is mainly celebrated as la fête du travail or Labor Day as a spillover from the American Labor Day tradition that began in 1882.

In France , we believe that the lily-of-the-valley brings good luck.  Lilies-of-the-valley are sold throughout France on May 1st as it is the only day of the year that sellers do not require a license.