May 1st means le muguet (Lily of the Valley) in France. It's given to apporte bonheur - bring good luck - and on the 1st May each year, not only do the normal florists sell it but everyone gets in on the act. Kids put up stalls selling it, pretty girls gather in groups around a table with a bucket of sprigs for sale - although really they are there to chat to the local boys.
When I lived near to Perpignan, the bus drivers used to give a spray to every female who got on the bus. Yesterday, in Menton market the butcher gave a sprig to each customer. Such a lovely tradition.
Just as I was walking back to my car yesterday, this lady was trudging across the sand holding a pot of Lily of the Valley. She'd been given it by her grandson. I asked if she'd pose for me and she did - and then she thanked me! Of course I thanked her. Look at those beautiful eyes that look at us so directly.
To see beautiful bunches of Lily of the Valley, do click on Paris Daily Photo.
When I lived near to Perpignan, the bus drivers used to give a spray to every female who got on the bus. Yesterday, in Menton market the butcher gave a sprig to each customer. Such a lovely tradition.
Just as I was walking back to my car yesterday, this lady was trudging across the sand holding a pot of Lily of the Valley. She'd been given it by her grandson. I asked if she'd pose for me and she did - and then she thanked me! Of course I thanked her. Look at those beautiful eyes that look at us so directly.
To see beautiful bunches of Lily of the Valley, do click on Paris Daily Photo.
Oh Jilly, what a perfectly lovely photo!
ReplyDeleteI love this Jilly.
ReplyDeleteNothing like real life and real people to give us fascinating stories.
I wish you were here Jilly, I could give you an armload. I planted some years ago and now it has completely filled in the area it was planted in. I may have to take some pictures of it later this spring.
ReplyDeleteI like the looks of this beautiful lady. I would give her a hug if I was there.
I love that tradition and what a sweet women. Her eyes are so kind!
ReplyDeleteWonderful portrait! What a great tradition!!
ReplyDeleteLovely story Jilly and a happy subject too. Now what on earth were you doing in the butcher shop?
ReplyDeleteOh very nice tradition. I will remember it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat portrait. I really enjoyed the story, too :]
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post and photograph about a beautiful tradition. I so enjoyed reading this.
ReplyDeleteLovely tradition, Jilly - and I love the fact that the lady had been given this by her grandson.
ReplyDeleteI must say, Jilly, you are masterful at catching that spark or special something deep inside the people you photograph. It's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOur muguet is coming but not quite arrived.
ReplyDeleteHey....J What a fine face, and wonderful skin. I bet L'Oreal never even went near her ;-)
Great portrait and fantastic post ... I'm learning!
ReplyDeleteWow! Has it been a year already? I remember learning about the festival/event on your blog last year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous portrait!
ReplyDelete