Mi-Mai by Guerlain, launched in 1914 and created by Jacques Guerlain, draws its name from a quintessentially French tradition. The name "Mi-Mai," pronounced "Mee-May," translates to "Mid-May" in English, reflecting the fragrance's homage to the early days of May. This period is particularly significant in French culture, as it marks the celebration of Labor Day on May 1st, a day when people traditionally exchange sprigs of muguet (lily of the valley) as symbols of good luck and renewal. The name evokes images of spring’s fresh beginnings and the delicate, bell-shaped blooms that symbolize this joyous time.
In the context of the perfume, Mi-Mai is classified as a green floral fragrance for women, capturing the essence of spring’s vitality. The scent is interpreted through its dominant notes of lily of the valley, which infuses the fragrance with a crisp, verdant freshness reminiscent of a garden in full bloom. This green quality is balanced with floral notes that evoke the delicate beauty and lightness of the muguet, intertwined with a subtly sweet and earthy undertone.
The time period of Mi-Mai’s launch, just before World War I, was characterized by a burgeoning appreciation for sophisticated, refined fragrances that mirrored the elegance and cultural richness of early 20th-century Europe. Lilies of the valley were highly prized in perfumery for their delicate, sweet scent and their symbolic association with purity and spring’s renewal. Guerlain, known for its meticulous sourcing of raw materials, would have procured these flowers from reputable growers in France, where the region's climate and soil conditions are ideal for cultivating such aromatic blooms.
