La Fête du Travail

La Fête du Travail, or Labor Day, is not celebrated on the first Monday in September as in the United States  and Canada. However, in France La Fête du Travail is celebrated on May 1. A chance to celebrate workers' rights, the French have celebrated La Fête du Travail for over 65 years.

Lily of the Valley

Rumored to be a centuries-old tradition dating back to King Charles IX, many French give Lily of the Valley to one another to commemorate the holiday. In 1907, two decades after the movement that celebrated the anniversary of the French Revolution as well as serve as a workers' rights day began, the Lily of the Valley took prominence as the holiday's symbol. 

With the introduction of the eight-hour work day in France, May 1 became publicly recognized as a holiday in 1919. After a hiatus during World War II, May 1 was reinstated as a holiday in 1947, officially becoming La Fête du Travail the very next year. 

Throughout France, La Fête du Travail is a day for celebrating workers and their rights, while campaigning against injustice and promoting human rights in general.

However, since we here at Chez Daniel reside stateside, we will be celebrating Labor Day with the rest of the United States tomorrow. (Please note: We will be closed while we celebrate). Therefore, use the day to reflect on the positive contributions that workers have made for the country as well as be inspired to further the social and economic achievements of our workers. We know we will!

Happy Labor Day!