A wonderful old tradition on May Day involves the giving of flowers and candies. In England, this tradition is called “Bringing in the May.” This is the time to go out and pick budding flowers off trees and bushes, such as forsythia, lilac, magnolia, and the like to bring in the spring.
In the USA, the tradition is called “May-Basket Day.” Both are practiced on May 1st and celebrated with innocence and youthful enthusiasm to welcome back the spring. In the modern view, this custom and tradition have fallen by the wayside here in the USA.
For fun, why can’t we bring it back even in small ways? The baskets themselves are generally made of paper that is formed into cones, then filled with what you wish: little candies and some fresh-blooming flowers from the trees and bushes in the area. Certainly, you can do many things in this day and age, even customize the baskets per person. Once left on the doorknob, they will become knockers and scrapers attracting the attention of the person you left them for.
In times of old, this was a popular tradition for suitors. Both men and women would hang baskets on the doors of their sweethearts. Perhaps some people you know that are lonely and can use some cheering up would appreciate a basket. Maybe friends or anyone, really, can be given a basket to bring some kindness into their life and, depending on their age, some youthful memories, as well.
I do hope you give it a try and bring a smile to someone’s face when they get a small gift on the first of May.
Blessings!
High Elder Redhawk
Source:
https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-his…may-basket-day
