For May 1, the most beautiful flowers delivered by your local florist

Every year on May 1, there’s a special tradition: giving a sprig of lily of the valley, a May 1 bouquet, or a lucky flower to those we love. It’s a enduring French tradition that has been passed down through generations without ever going out of style. At Sessile, every bouquet is a one-of-a-kind creation, hand-arranged by a florist near you. Drawing on their inspiration and the flowers available, they create a May 1st bouquet centered around lily of the valley—either on its own or paired with other seasonal blooms—that reflects your personality. This artisanal expertise, combined with local delivery, results in personalized bouquets that are a far cry from mass-produced arrangements.

To send a May 1 bouquet through Sessile, the process is simple. You enter the delivery address, then browse the artisan florists who can deliver to that town. You choose the one whose arrangements you like best, then finalize your order. The florist will then prepare your bouquet using fresh flowers and freshly arrived lily of the valley. Delivery is guaranteed by hand to the address and on the date you specified. Thanks to a network of independent florists covering the entire country, Sessile makes it possible to have flowers delivered anywhere in France, including on May 1.

If you’d prefer to pick up your bouquet yourself, in-store pickup is a convenient alternative. By choosing this option, you ’ll save on delivery fees while also getting advice from your florist on how to care for your flowers. This way, you can see the arrangement for yourself, ask any questions, or request a final personal touch. The process is the same: you order online, then pick up your bouquet directly at the florist’s at a time that’s convenient for you.

Giving flowers on May 1 is a way to carry on a simple yet deeply meaningful tradition. Originally, a sprig of lily of the valley marked the return of spring and was given as a good-luck charm. In France, the tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Charles IX is said to have given lily of the valley to his court on May 1, before extending the custom to the ladies. Later, in the late 19th century, May 1st became International Workers’ Day, and lily of the valley became permanently associated with the occasion. Today, giving a bouquet on May 1st is at once a gesture of affection, a nod to tradition, and a way to herald the arrival of warmer days to those you hold dear.

Lily of the valley is, of course, the quintessential choice: its white bell-shaped flowers, delicate fragrance, and symbolism of happiness make it the iconic flower of May 1. But a May 1 bouquet isn’t limited to lily of the valley. Artisanal florists love to combine it with other seasonal flowers to create more generous bouquets: ranunculus, early peonies, spring roses, anemones, and sweet peas. The result is a bouquet that’s both traditional and personal, where lily of the valley retains its central place without stealing the show. For a more symbolic gift, a single sprig of lily of the valley, presented in a small vase or a terracotta pot, remains a timeless classic.

Lily of the valley blooms only once a year, between April and May depending on the region. It is a delicate plant, highly sensitive to heat: it does not keep well and cannot be forced to bloom easily. This is also why May 1 is the only day on which its sale on public streets is permitted in France without special authorization, under an exception dating back to 1936. The other flowers that accompany lily of the valley in May 1 bouquets also bloom in the spring: ranunculus, tulips, early peonies, and sweet peas. This strong sense of seasonality is part of the bouquet’s charm: it isn’t available year-round, which makes the gesture all the more special.

Lily of the valley symbolizes renewed happiness, good luck, and renewal. Its white bells evoke purity, modesty, and the promise of a genuine spring. In Greek mythology, it is said to have been created by Apollo to carpet Mount Parnassus and soften the steps of the Muses. In Christian tradition, it evokes the tears of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross, transformed into flowers. The custom of giving a sprig as a good-luck charm on May 1 combines these traditions: it blends the pagan spring festival with a sincere wish for good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. A May 1st bouquet is therefore much more than just a bouquet: it is a wish, a prayer, and a tradition passed down through the generations.

Lily of the valley is a delicate flower that requires a little care. As soon as you receive it, place the bouquet in a clean vase filled with fresh water at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight and proximity to heat sources: lily of the valley prefers cool conditions. Change the water every two days and trim the stems slightly each time you change the water. A well-cared-for May 1st bouquet will last about five to seven days. If you received potted lily of the valley with roots, you can try replanting it in a shaded garden or a planter: with a little luck, it will bloom again the following year.

At Sessile, we love traditions that stand the test of time and continue to be passed down year after year. Every May 1st bouquet created by our artisan florists is a unique arrangement, designed to carry on this tradition of good luck with freshness and sincerity. Lily of the valley is a flower that can’t be improvised: its season is short, it’s delicate to preserve, and its harvesting is strictly regulated. That’s why the expertise of a local artisan florist is especially valuable at this time of year. If you’re looking for the perfect bouquet to accompany your wishes for happiness, our florists are here to help you find the arrangement that reflects your personality.