The tradition of giving lilies of the valley on May 1st has ancient roots, dating back to celebrations of spring by the Romans and Germans.
In France, the custom is linked to the Renaissance and King Charles IX, who began distributing the flower to the ladies of his court in 1561 after receiving a sprig himself.
While the red rose briefly replaced it during the Revolution, the lily of the valley regained popularity in the late 19th century and was officially associated with Labor Day under Marshal Pétain, remaining a symbol of the holiday to this day.