Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May Day Basket

When I was growing we celebrated May Day. My Dad told me it was to honor the spring, and honor birth, and honor Mother Mary. He told me it was a really big deal to his mother growing up.

So I have carried on "the giving of flower baskets" on May 1st.

The tradition is that one would make up a basket (usually a filled cone) to hang on an unsuspecting person's door, early in the am before the heat wilted the flowers - ring the doorbell and DASH away hidden!

It is really fun to watch their faces in surprise and delight!

I have done this for years. It's fun and I highly recommend trying it!



This year I had already made earlier plans to take my daughters to lunch and shopping (my daughter's day off) so no traditional May Day ladies afternoon tea for me this year, which is my usual.

This is the May Day basket I made for my daughters and gave to them today.

I think my Dad would be happy I have continued carrying on this tradition.







HAPPY MAY DAY!
Posted by Michele M./ Finch Rest at 6:17 PM
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12 comments:

  1. GinaMay 1, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    What a pretty May Day basket! I think that is such a sweet tradition to carry on. Happy May Day to you!

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  2. Brenda PruittMay 1, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    Seems I have this in my mind linked with tussie-mussies. Is there a connection, I wonder?
    Brenda

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  3. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMay 1, 2012 at 7:46 PM

    Very pretty, Michele! I love the basket you used, too!

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  4. AnonymousMay 1, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    You must be feeling much, much better!
    What a neat tradition and it's beautiful!
    I was scrolling on your blog and saw all kinds of wonderful, colorful plates, pitchers and stuff. I wanted to stop and read them all!
    Take care! Jenn

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  5. Perfectly PrintedMay 1, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    What wonderful tradition!!

    chris

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  6. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageMay 1, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    This is such a beautiful tradition. Your flower basket is wonderful. It reminds me of a time when people could stay home more and grow gardens and actually VISIT somebody! I'd be thrilled.

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  7. NannMay 2, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    What a beautiful may day basket. I know your daughters were thrilled! I so wanted to do something for May Day but we got back late last night from Colorado after driving 10 straight hours and then I was gone all day. Needless to say I am exhausted. So I am just going to enjoy your beautiful door arrangement and call it good. Thanks for sharing. You made my day a little brighter!!! Happy May Day to you Michele!

    Nann

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  8. farmhouse-storyMay 2, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    so pretty, michele! this is such a sweet idea--tfs:)

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  9. SylviaMay 2, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    very pretty, Michele, I love the door arrangement. You are so talented!

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  10. The French HutchMay 2, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    I love your May Day basket. It looks beautiful on your door. What a lovely family tradition you continue.

    Emily
    The French Hutch

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  11. UnknownMay 3, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    Now that is a breath of spring! I love this. Your choice of flowers is perfect. :)

    ~Liz

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  12. White Ironstone CottageMay 8, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    I Love this tradition I do this too it is so fun to surprise all my friends I usually just use a jar of garden flowers
    LOVE your basket so pretty
    Blessings
    Pam

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Thank you, friend, for taking the time to comment! I read each and every one of them. Your thoughts are appreciated!

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