The May Basket

One of my memories from childhood was May Day. A few days before my Mom and I would make baskets from paper then fill them with a few artificial flower blooms and candy. I was so excited, I would wake up especially early to make my anonymous deliveries. I generally made baskets for my closest friends as well as a couple of elderly ladies in the neighborhood. I would sneak up to their doorstep to leave the basket then quickly ring the doorbell and run away. Through the years I received several May Baskets of my own as well. It was such an exciting time for me. As I grew older, the May Day celebrations stopped… until this year. A neighbor girl and I made baskets together and started the fun celebration in our neighborhood. I look forward to the years to come. I already know that the May Day baskets will multiply next year as many of the recipients were so excited by their first celebration of May Day.

~Colleen C., Madison, WI

You and you child can make a May Basket from a variety of household items. Simply tie a ribbon and decorate the container of your choice. A few inexpensive container ideas are listed below:

• Make a cone-shaped basket using construction paper or a paper plate
• Use a Strawberry Basket
• Cut the top off a small milk container
• Clean a soup or vegetable can
• Try a toilet paper roll with a pipe cleaner handle

Related Traditions