Today is a national holiday in France, the fête du Travail, International Workers' Day. Nearly all shops, offices and museums are closed. Labor unions, Yellow Vests, and students are marching either in support of causes or in protest of policies in Paris. One poll estimated that there were 40,000 demonstrators in Paris today. The police are everywhere. There have been some violent acts, car burnings, tear gas and arrests.
Our apartment building is far from the demonstrations this time, fortunately. However, the nearby streets are blocked to traffic and the Metro stations are closed. Many luxury shops are boarded up so as to be protected ... just in case.
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| Bulgari on Place Vendôme |
Today is also May Day, an ancient celebration of Spring. In France, the day is celebrated by giving a sprig of muguet, lily of the valley. Susan received muguet from dear friend Eliane (pictured below).
Apparently, on May 1, 1561, King Charles IX received muguet as a lucky charm. As a result, the king offered muguet to the ladies of the court each year. The custom lives on today.
Since today is May Day, here is a sampling of lovely flowering trees and flowers.
We hope your May Day has been lovely.
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