May Day (May 1st) is celebrated in many places around the world. The traditions and stories surrounding May Day vary from place to place. There is, however, one thing that is similar in most celebrations – the use of Flowers!
One of the most popularly known May Day traditions is to hang a basket full of spring flowers and/or other small gifts on a neighbor’s doorknob. The trick is you don’t want the neighbor to see you! If you get caught, you are supposed to get a kiss.
[Pictured: Matchbook Favor Boxes by Making Room for More, May Day Basket by Karen Foster, The Recycling Bin: May Day Baskets by Uncommon Goods and May Day Baskets {Printable Activities for Kids} by Tip Junkie]
When I was little (yep, that’s me to the right!), my mom and I made May baskets to put on the doors of a few neighbors that had kids my age. I had a lot of fun, and it was a nice way to brighten their day! Here are my mom’s instructions to make a May basket:
“To create a May basket from scratch, take a sheet of construction paper and create a cone; tape to secure it well. Trim the top edge to make it even. Cut a 12-inch strip of construction paper; staple and tape it to arc over the top. Tuck a little bunch of small flowers into the cone. (If you can put the flowers into a water pick, that will help keep them fresh.) Hang the May basket on the doorknob and leave without knocking on the door. A little later call and ask if they discovered the May Day surprise on their doorknob. Wish them a happy spring! Simple, kind and fun.”
More May Day Crafts and Activities
May Day Baskets by New Nostalgia [Pictured]
Celebrating May Day! by Mother Nature Network
Celebrating May Day With Crafts by About.com Family Crafts
May Day Crafts by TLC Family and How Stuff Works
Make a Paper Flower Bouquet by Canon Creative Park
23 May Day Crafts: Flowers, Baskets, and Cones by Tip Junkie [Pictured]
May Day Activities and Crafts by DLTK Kids
More May Day Activities to Enjoy by Great Group Activities
Flower Cards and Gifts by Canon Creative Park
May Baskets, A Neighborly Project for Kids by About.com
Martha Stewart’s Take on May Day
Maypole Cake [Pictured]
May Day Celebration (Maypole Decorations and Dances)
May Day Baskets Using Household Items
Do you celebrate May Day? Share your crafts and activities below!
1 Comment
Sue Wolfe
May Day is right around the corner everyone!
This year to add to your May baskets, you might want to add my new children’s book all about May Day!
It will be out this March and the title is- “Lily Bouquet and a special May Day”! By: Sue Wolfe Published by Tate Publishing. It’s a cute love story about May Day.
Ooh-la-la!
Sue Wolfe