May Day is celebrated on May 1. It is an old day of celebration dating back to the Roman Republic. Over its many years, there have been different meanings, festivities, and representations of May Day. Beginning as a day marked with ceremonies, dances, and feasting, it celebrated the rite of spring. It also marks the half way point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solace. In addition, it has been known as Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, a day commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and labors.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, May Day traditions changed to leaving a gift basket filled with flowers or treats at the front door of a neighbor, friend, or loved one. The giver would leave a basket or cone of treats, ring the doorbell, shout “‘May Basket!” and run away. In some communities, hanging a May basket on someone’s door was a chance to express romantic interest. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss. It has also been celebrated with dancing and singing around a pole laced with streamers or ribbons. During my grade school days, we made May Day baskets filled with homemade treats, candy, or dandelions to exchange with school mates.
Today, May Day is almost forgotten. The sentiment of the day certainly has a place in modern society as a time to share a random act of kindness and celebrate spring and friendship—an opportunity to pay it forward. Baskets don’t necessarily have to be left at a front door. Treats can be left for co-workers, teachers, children—anyone—anywhere they will find it. Earlier this spring, I was asked to make a May Basket for a group service project. The directions were few—any kind of simple homemade basket will do; fill it with flowers, candy, or a baked and wrapped treat.
There are numerous ideas for baskets online—paper cones, styrofoam cups, fabric, tin cans, strawberry baskets—anything goes. I decided on construction paper strips to craft a woven paper basket like I remembered making so many years ago.
Since the basket had to be finished ahead of May 1 for distribution, I filled the basket with White Chocolate Strawberry Biscotti. Compared to most baked goods, biscotti is very shelf-stable and will remain good for several days. Each biscotti slice was individually wrapped in clear plastic wrap and placed in the basket along with the recipe so the recipient would know the ingredients. The collection of baskets for this project will be delivered to service personnel in our community.
Who says baskets have to be filled with flowers, candy or treats? Don’t limit yourself. Use imagination and creativity. Baskets can be filled with anything appropriate for the recipient. For example, the homeless may appreciate baskets filled with bath products, socks, non-perishable snacks or gift cards. Baskets for others could be filled with small office supplies, seed packets, cooking utensils, hair accessories, or craft supplies. The ideas are endless. Add a little treat to brighten someone’s day with a piece of candy, a flower, or a pop of color with a piece of tissue paper. And if making a basket isn’t for you, maybe buy a cup of coffee for a random stranger and wish them a Happy May Day. Get the kids involved; make it family activity or a youth group project (4-H, Scouts, Church).
So make a basket, ring the doorbell, and run! Spread some kindness! You’ll be glad you did! Happy May Day!
