A Pinch and a Punch...
for the First of the Month
5/1/20262 min read
Today is much more than the first day of the month; it is the First of May. Over the centuries, this day has been celebrated throughout Europe, where it has its roots in ancient pagan festivals and celebrations of the arrival of spring. In France it now belongs to the workers and is a day of rest for everyone, with pay. Even our large supermarket,which stays open on most public holidays, is closed today. Alas, on waking up this morning, I fell prey to the usual pinch and a punch. Try as I might to remember when the first day of the month occurs, so that I can get in first , I always remember too late. "A pinch and a punch for the first of the month,"is common in Britain and Ireland, and in Canada, New Zealand and South Africa too . It isn't a French practice, however. That is, except in our small domain!
Yesterday, I went shopping in Aldi, where I saw the strangest of sights. Every man who was shopping seemed to be carrying a sprig of muguet( or lily of the valley) and the conveyor belt in front of me bore small pools of water. I looked behind me...yet more water. As a supermarket worker mopped it up , I heard him comment "C'est le muguet." These pots and posies were leaking water everywhere. Close by, I spotted a whole array of them for sale, encased in plastic sheaths. Muguet has become a large part of the May 1st celebration in France. It is usually given to someone close to you, and is reputed to bring good luck.
Of course, it's not surprising that muguet has become such an important symbol in France for the first of May. We have a few lily of the valley flowers growing in a small corner of our garden, planted many years ago by the previous owner . Every April, I watch fresh green spears peeping up from the soil. Then, as May approaches, tiny white bells on stems appear amongst the leaves. By May 1st they have been perfectly formed and are ready to pick.
How I wish I could send you a sprig so that you may savour its delicious perfume which wafts across the warm night air. In its absence, may I just wish you Happy May Day, wherever you may be.
