May Day in Paris

Last May 1, 2015, me and my mates were in Paris on May Day.  Most places were closed and there were supposed to be peaceful protests in different places of the city.  But we didn't see any.  We spent the day exploring Paris and looking for large protest groups or gatherings, but saw none.  Maybe because it was raining? Nevertheless, we bought Lily of the Valley tiny bouquets that would bring us luck all year. Yay!

Here's a brief history on May Day in Paris from this great link: May Day (La Fête du Muguet, La Fête du Travail) in France is a public holiday to campaign for and celebrate workers rights. It is also an occasion to present lily-of-the-valley or dog rose flowers to loved ones.

King Charles IX of France was presented with lily of the valley flowers on May 1, 1561. He liked the gift and decided to present lily of the valley flowers to the ladies of his court each year on May 1. Around 1900, men started to present a bouquet of lily of the valley flowers to women to express their affection. The flowers are a more general token of appreciation between close friends and family members these days.

The eight-hour working day was officially introduced in France on April 23, 1919, and May 1 became a public holiday called Fête internationale des Travailleurs (International Worker's Day). During World War II, the Vichy regime renamed the holiday to Fête du Travail et de la Concorde sociale(Work and Social Unity Day). Between 1944 and 1947, there was no holiday on May 1. It officially became known as La Fête du Travail (Labor Day) on April 29, 1948. Since then, it has been an occasion to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights. The day is also known as Labor Day in other parts of the world.