Fête du muguet/fête du travail

The first of May is a significant day in France. It combines the celebration of spring (fête du muguet - Lily of the Valley festival) with the recognition of workers' rights (fête du travail​ - Labour Day.) Traditionally, bunches of lilies of the valley (muguet) are sold around towns and cities so that they can be given to friends and family as a token of good luck and happiness. At the same time, it is also a day for demonstrations and parades to advocate for workers' rights and social justice. ​

At Sacred Heart, students were invited to create a ‘fête du muguet’ greetings card that they could give to a friend, family member or teacher, to show their appreciation for all of their hard work - combining the ‘fête du muguet’ and ‘fête du travail’ celebrations!

The muguet (lily of the valley) holds special significance in France. The custom of giving muguet to loved-ones dates back to the Renaissance, but it was popularised by King Charles IX of France in 1561, who gifted muguet to the women at his court as a gesture of goodwill.