Why The Tradition Of May Day Baskets Should Make A Comeback

The arrival of May brings the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and flowers galore. Several traditions have become synonymous with May Day, including festivals and maypoles twirled with brightly colored ribbons. There's another lesser-known May Day tradition that we think should definitely make a comeback, and that's May Day baskets. Learn how this tradition came to be and how to make your own baskets.

What Is A May Day Basket?

May Day baskets can have many different appearances—they're baskets, bags, or boxes filled with flowers, toys, or treats that are left anonymously for friends and neighbors on the first day of May. What makes them special is the way they're given. Traditionally, May Day baskets are taken to the recipient's house and hung on the doorknob or left on the porch in secret, a sweet, unexpected way to brighten up a neighbor's May Day.

When Did The Tradition Begin?

May Day celebrations like dancing around the Maypole have mostly faded into the past, but we have to admit we sure are fans of the lovely tradition of hanging flower baskets. May Day celebrations originated in Medieval Europe to mark the return of spring. Agricultural-themed rites included gathering and exchanging wildflowers, weaving garlands, and decorating Maypoles.

In the United States, the practice of gifting baskets was described in newspapers during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with some articles referring to the holiday as May Basket Day.

In her 1880 novel Jack and Jill, Louisa May Alcott describes the tradition: "The job now in hand was May baskets, for it was the custom of the children to hang them on the doors of their friends the night before May-day; and the girls had agreed to supply baskets if the boys would hunt for flowers."

The American Girl’s Handy Book, written by Lina Beard and Amelia B. Beard in 1887, details the custom and how to make the baskets. “A May-day custom, and a very pretty one, still survives among the children in our New England States. It is that of hanging upon the door-knobs of friends and neighbors pretty spring-offerings in the shape of small baskets filled with flowers, wild ones, if they can be obtained," the book states. "Silently approaching a door, they hang a May-basket upon the knob and, with a loud rap, or ring of the bell, scamper off, and flee as though for life.”

What To Put In A May Day Basket

May Day baskets aren't just for children, though. A flower-filled May Day gift is the perfect way to brighten someone's day, and we're planning to gather flowers and give blooming baskets to friends and family all month long.

If you're inspired to make your own this year, you can keep it simple while still sending a clear message. Wrap a small bouquet from your garden. And you don't have to limit your basket to flowers. Add a picture, note, candy, or small trinkets your recipient would enjoy, like seeds for a gardener, herbs for a cook, or small tools for an artist. Tuck in some homemade treats the recipient is sure to enjoy, such as Homemade Turtles or a loaf of Carrot Cake Quick Bread. Make a batch of snack mix, and package it in waffle cones wrapped in paper.

What Flowers To Use In A May Day Basket

You don’t need to venture farther than your backyard for May Day flowers. Peonies, daffodils, and tulips make a pretty bouquet. Budding branches, pansies, and freesias are also good choices. Any flowers will work, and you can choose the vessel based on whether you are using cut flowers or potted ones. Cut flowers should be given in water, and potted ones can be placed in soil in a lined container. You don’t have to limit yourself to flowers. A bit of greenery will also add a nice touch.

How To Make A May Day Basket

There's no rule that says May Day baskets have to be woven baskets. Keep it simple and sweet by wrapping paper into a cone, trimming the excess if desired, and securing it with tape. Add a ribbon handle to the top for hanging. Decorate with craft scraps. Or use pre-made paper snow cone cups, paper cups, or any basket or vessel you have around. Add twine, ribbon, or string for hanging if you wish. Recipients will be moved by the thought put into making their gift.

For ideas to make your own special basket for someone, see some more photos of May Day baskets below for inspiration.

Mason Jar Bouquet

This bouquet couldn't be easier. Clean an empty jam jar or mason jar and tuck in pretty flowers from your backyard. Add a ribbon and note, if desired, and you're set.

Small Flower Basket

Perk up a neighbor or dear friend with this cheerful display. Choose a small lined basket, fill with potting soil, and add daffodils, pansies, or other simple, colorful flowers.

Strawberry Baskets

What better way to usher in May than with these cute baskets made from strawberry cartons? Line the carton with sheets of tissue paper. Place soil and small flowers like pansies or violas into small plastic bags, then add one to each carton. Tie a pipe cleaner or string to each basket to create a handle.

Peony Hanger

This sweet and simple gift uses cut flowers and greenery from your yard. Start by soaking a small florist foam cage in water. Tie the cage to a stick, and tuck sprigs of cut greenery into the cage to cover it. Add peonies or other blooms or plants to fill out the display, and tie a ribbon to the ends of the stick for hanging.