The beginning of May is marked by Labor Daybut also by the flowering of lily of the valley, a very popular plant for its flowers in the shape of small white bells, but also its lucky symbol for the arrival of sunny days. But despite its fresh, delicate aesthetic and its symbolic significance, lily of the valley is a plant that can prove toxic if not handled with care.
Labor Day: why are we giving lily of the valley on May 1st?
Offering lily of the valley is not only a French tradition. Originally, lily of the valley has been used since Antiquity to celebrate the new season and the return of sunny days. The Romans celebrated the Floral Festivals at the beginning of May, in honor of Flora, goddess of flowers, notably placing the lily of the valley in the spotlight. Among the Celts, lily of the valley picked on May 1st was endowed with a mystical power capable of bringing good luck to those who wore it that same day.
In France, the tradition of offering lily of the valley dates back to the Renaissance, when King Charles IX established in his court the custom of giving them as gifts to women. Later, in 1941, Marshal Pétain established the “festival of labor and social harmony” on May 1 and chose the lily of the valley as the symbol of this celebration. Since then, the tradition of offering lily of the valley for Labor Day has become popular in the country, but it is also present in Switzerland, Belgium and Andorra.
Lily of the valley: what risks can it cause for health?
Despite its pretty symbolism and aesthetic side, lily of the valley is potentially toxic, so you must take precautions when you have it at home, particularly to protect small children and pets. Indeed, the Lille poison control center recalls that all parts of the plant are poisonousbecause they contain digitalis, substances potentially irritating and toxic to the heart.
Lily of the valley poisoning can be due to the ingestion of berries produced by the plant when ripe, or even following the absorption of water in which a bouquet of lily of the valley has remained. According to the Lille poison control center, it can cause the appearance digestive disorderssuch as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrheabut also dizziness, polyuria, heart problems, numbness, or breathing problems.
Lily of the valley poisoning: which profiles are most affected?
According to the Belgian poison control center, Poisoning linked to accidental ingestion of lily of the valley remains rare, they count between 40 and 60 reports per year on average, especially for children between 2 and 4 who have chewed part of the plant, swallowed a berry, or drank water from the vase. The Lille poison control center reminds that pets may also be at risk. Thrush poisoning generally manifests itself in them by vomiting, diarrhea, an arrhythmia and increased diuresis.
If thrush is ingested, contact the nearest poison control centercontact 15 or go to the pharmacy on duty the closest.
Sources :
- Lily of the valley – Poison control center Lille University Hospital
- Lily of the valley is pretty and toxic – Belgian Poison Control Center
- On May 1st, give lily of the valley! – Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty – April 29, 2024
