May Day! May Day!

Quietly hang a homemade basket filled with flowers and candy on your neighbor’s doorknob. Ring the bell. Run like crazy before anyone sees you—otherwise, you might get a kiss!

This playful custom was part of “May Basket Day” in our Iowa hometown, when we were growing up.  We enjoyed creating our own baskets and choosing which neighbors would receive daffodils or pansies along with a sweet treat, always giving a special basket to a favorite friend.

May 1st originally represented the arrival of spring and new beginnings. The holiday draws from various ancient celebrations, including Beltane, a Celtic festival honoring fertility and life’s return. Beltane marked the year’s division between winter’s darkness and summer’s light, often featuring bonfires and lively, outdoor festivities.

Dancing around the Maypole is another popular May Day activity, originating in medieval times. Boys and girls would weave ribbons or streamers around a tall pole, eventually covering it entirely. Legend said you might meet your future spouse during the dance, leading to a June wedding.

The crowning of the May Queen—a symbol of nature, purity, and growth—is another medieval tradition. While May Day isn’t specifically religious, Catholics celebrate the season with “May processions,” where children place flowers at the feet of a Virgin Mary statue.

In the United States, May Day gained new meaning in the 19th century when it became International Workers’ Day, part of the labor movement for better working conditions and fair hours. Today, 66 countries, including Cuba, Kenya, China, Mexico, and North Korea, mark May Day as a day to honor workers’ rights.
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Reviving May Day traditions brings joy and welcomes the warmth of spring. Create a basket, fill it with spring’s beauty, and share it with someone special for a memorable May Day celebration—just don’t get caught!