Bringing Back May Basket Day! A Forgotten Joy

This photo was one of my favorite May Days taken in April of 2020 (during the height of Covid 19 lockdowns) I was so nice to give a little ray of sunshine to my neighbors.

Imagine spring bursting forth with vibrant colors and a contagious joy – that's the feeling I'm so excited to share! For me, this sunny energy is perfectly captured in the memory of May Day. Picture this: tiny, hand-rolled paper cones overflowing with the delicate fragrance of just-picked blossoms, delivered with a burst of laughter and youthful exuberance. This cherished tradition was lovingly passed down to me by my Grandma Hansen.

Growing up in a small town nestled on the Idaho-Oregon border during the '60s and '70s meant everyone knew your name. As winter finally gave way to April, our blossoming gardens hinted at the promise of warmer days. With the sweet smell of blossoms in the air, it was time for the celebrated, and almost forgotten holiday of May Day.

Under Grandma Hansen's and my mothers watchful eye she would help me create may day baskets. My small hands would carefully select the prettiest blooms from her vibrant garden – cheerful lilacs, snowball branches, delicate tulips, and the sweet-smelling hyacinths that seemed to sing of spring's arrival. Then came the careful construction of the paper cones, folded just so to cradle our floral treasures. Also included was a sweet candy treat, hidden in the cone.

Grandma Hattie posing next to a floral that she created a party for my mother. She loved her rose garden 1958

The best part? The delivery. With a conspiratorial whisper and a shared mischievous grin, I would tiptoe to the doorsteps of neighbors, often the older folks on the street whose smiles held a hint of solitude. We'd leave our fragrant offering, ring the bell, and then run, hiding behind bushes to witness the surprise and delight on their faces. It was a fleeting moment of connection, a silent "Happy Spring!"

Life moved on, as it always does. I left Weiser, but the memory of those May Days stayed with me, a little spark of joy waiting to be rekindled. And so, I did. I've carried the torch of the May Day basket tradition through the years, sharing it with my own grandchildren, their eyes wide with the same excitement I felt as a child. I've even brought it into my classrooms, organizing primary events where little hands create their own floral gifts, even co/ workers, learning the simple power of spreading springtime cheer.

This is the fun activity to do with kids

But where did this charming custom come from? The history of May Day baskets in the United States is as lovely and varied as the flowers they hold. Rooted in ancient spring European traditions it evolved as it crossed the Atlantic. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, May Day baskets were a widespread symbol of springtime joy and neighborly affection. Newspapers of the era are filled with accounts of children (and sometimes adults!) crafting and delivering these tokens of the season.

Here is a sample of what a May Basket can look like. Cute hu?

However, like many sweet traditions, the widespread practice of May Day baskets seemed to fade over time, perhaps overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of modern life. But the spirit of connection and the simple joy of a handmade gift never truly disappear.

That's why I'm sharing this little piece of my family’s tradition. The beauty of the May Day basket lies in its simplicity and its profound impact. It's a tangible way to say, "I'm thinking of you," to brighten someone's day, and to welcome the vibrant energy of spring.

Please be one of my May Day converts. Make one this year! Or two!

Want to bring this touch of magic to your own neighborhood? Here's how:

* Gather your blooms: Whether from your garden, a local market, or even foraged responsibly from nature, choose flowers that bring you joy.

* Craft your cone: A simple piece of paper rolled into a cone and secured with tape or a staple works perfectly. Get creative with decorative paper if you like!

* Fill with flowers: Arrange your blooms gently inside the cone wrapping a moist paper towel around the stems with a plastic to protect the cone from moisture. Drop a small wrapped treat and the flowers inside the cone.

* Choose your recipients: Think of neighbors, especially those who might appreciate a little unexpected cheer – the elderly, someone who lives alone, or even just a friendly face on your street.

* The Secret Delivery: This is the fun part! Leave your basket on their doorstep, ring the bell or knock softly, and then step back to watch their surprise (or make a quick getaway!).

This May 1st, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of Grandma Hansen and the simple joy of the May Day basket. It's a chance to connect with your community, to spread a little unexpected happiness, and to re-introduce a beautiful tradition to a world that could certainly use more springtime smiles.

What are your favorite springtime traditions? Have you ever heard of May Day baskets? Share your thoughts in the comments below!