May 1st and Lily of the Valley!

Today was May Day. In France and in French speaking Switzerland,(where we live) May Day is a celebration of labor and also love. It is a custom to give a sprig of Lily of the Valley, to someone you love. As I went out today, it seemed that many women and girls were carrying a small bouquet of flowers. It was so sweet to see. On the train several women got on grasping their bouquets, which gave off the most beautiful fragrance. I found out the flowers were Lily of the Valley. It is the traditional flower given out on May Day. The Lily of the Valley means the return of happiness, purity of heart, sweetness, humility, happiness and love's good fortune. The legend of the lily of the valley is that it sprang from Eve's tears when she was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. In Romanian, Lily of the Valley is the meaning of the name, "Lacramioara", which was our daughter Laura's given name. By coincidence, Laura's middle name is May. May, because it is the month where we first saw a picture of our future daughter. :)

Knowing all of this, Paul surprised Laura and I by buying us Lily of the Valley and presenting it to each of us at home tonight.

We women felt very loved and special. Happy May Day All!