May 1st is Labor Day in France, La Fête du Travail. This day was first established as a day where laborers protested for rights in the workplace. In 1890 workers fought to guarantee a 8 hour work day. This became law in 1919. May 1st is a public holiday in France, in honor of trade unions and workers.
May 1st is also known as the holiday May Day. It was an ancient tradition amongst many European civilizations celebrating the dark season to light season.
The Lily of the Valley flower, le mugeut, has been a symbol of good luck for hundreds of years. It blooms late April to early May in France. Under the Vichy regime it became a symbol of the Left party. The party of the people and working class. Nowadays, it is a common gift on May 1st to friends, family, or co-workers.