Does anyone remember making May Day baskets as children? I can remember making them in school by weaving strips of construction paper together and then folding our woven creation into a cone. We would fill them with tissue paper flowers as the teacher explained the tradition of secretly leaving baskets filled with flowers on the door of a neighbor on the first day of May.
How exciting, and a bit frightening to sneak up to my next-door-neighbor’s house, hoping she wasn’t looking out the front window. Then to tiptoe up the steps and hang that flower filled cone on the doorknob, hands sweating for fear of making a noise and giving myself away.
My heart would be beating so hard that I could hear it in my ears, and my breathing was fast and shallow. I would plant my feet in a run-ready position, lean in toward the door and press the doorbell.
Ding-dong!
As the bell signals the beginning of the race I was off and running as fast as my little feet would carry me, never daring to look back over my shoulder. Running so quickly all the way home, up the steps, into the house, shutting the door behind me and leaning back against it’s strong shelter. Whew . . . I made it!
What a thrill it was to leave a secret gift to brighten my next-door-neighbors day. Do you think she ever guessed that it was me, the little girl who spent so much time at her house playing with Sport, her black Cocker Spaniel, or sitting next to her husband while he showed me his amazing collection of rocks? What a good lesson this child learned about doing nice things for people, not to be seen or noticed, but just because it is a good thing to do.
It is a wonderful principle to live by isn’t it? Giving without thought of reward or out of a need to be noticed? We’ve been blessed with abundance and it is only fitting to give back a portion of what we’ve been given. And somehow . . . almost like “magic” . . . when we give out of our cup of abundance it always fills up to overflowing once again.
So . . . what do you think . . . am I too old to sneak over to my next-door-neighbors house, leave some flowers on the door, ring the bell and run like the wind so she won’t catch me? Haha! There are pictures that come to mind of turning to run and tripping over my own shoelaces, or attempting to leap over the little hedge that runs between my neighbor’s house and mine and not quite making the leap . . . It makes me laugh out loud! Shhh . . . I’m writing this in bed and Mr. OTN is trying to sleep 🙂
Okay . . . so maybe I’ll think of another way to practice a secret kindness!
You can view more about making a thrifted May Day planter HERE . . . or . . . to see some of the most gorgeous (TRULY) May Day baskets I’ve ever seen head over to my MAY DAY Pinterest page. There is even a pattern for a child’s May Day basket. Why not carry on this fading May Day tradition and teach your own wee ones how much fun it can be to give back?
May Day blessings to you,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Your May Day basket is so pretty, Patti! I’m sure anyone would be thrilled to receive a basket as pretty as this one!
Patti,
The Tradition of May Day Baskets is one to cherish!!!
I adore your story of your experience with your first May Day Basket adventure!!!
Several years ago, another friend and I mentored a group of five youth for Confirmation.
One of our Outreach Projects was May Day Bakets filled with “real” flowers!
While not a total surprise to those receiving( I had called to get permission form our members),
it was a total surprise to what the girls gained from all the love they felt in return.
(We presented to widows and “shut~ins” within our Care Unit.)
I vote “Yes”. . .dare to take May Day Baskets to your neighbors. . .
it will certainly make their day a much brighter one, indeed!
Fondly,
Pat
Really pretty! I love all of the birds on the cone. Thanks for linking with HSH!
Sherry
This is just lovely.
– Alma, The Tablescaper
Truly lovely! And your story brings back memories of May baskets from my childhood as well. 😉 I hope you do ring your neighbor’s bell and present her with a May basket. I think she might like getting it personally delivered and have an opportunity to ooh and aah over your sweet basket. I want one, for sure!!! 😉
Happy May Day!!
Gorgeous!
I will feature this tomorrow at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
Your May Day basket is so pretty. I’ve never heard of this tradition before so this was interesting to read and learn a out.
This is just delightful! How utterly chic and vintage. I am loving it. Thank you for a beautiful visit! It was a nice start to my day!
http://balmtomysoul.com/2014/05/top-10-posts-april-2014/
What a sweet and lovely idea! I saw you at Ivy and Elephants and couldn’t resist a peek. Just beautiful…Mimi xxx
That is the sweetest most romantic thing…I love it!! I also love your logo that you put over your photos…that is gorgeous.
Oh how very sweet! I love the whole idea of May Day baskets!
So very sweet and such a good principle to live by! Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday…
Blessings,
Cindy
I for one would love to find something this pretty on my door. How fun and a little thrilling for you as a child! Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!
Blessings,
Deborah
Patti, never too old and all I have to say; is that I wish I was your neighbor! lol! The May Day basket is ever so sweet. I have such fond memories of winding the Maypole at our grade school growing up. Thanks for sharing with SYC. Love doing little bits of kindness for others!
hugs,
Jann
Just stopping back by to let you know I will be featuring this at the party tonight! Thanks for again for sharing.
Blessings, Deborah
Your May Day basket is beautiful – I’m sure your neighbor was quite thrilled – so much fun! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
i love your May basket idea! We should bring it back! Joan
I am a home daycare provider and we have done May Day baskets for about 15 neighbors since I started doing daycare 22 years ago. The kids love it and so do my neighbors.
That is so sweet Heather! I used to be a home daycare provider when my girls were very young. Ages ago! You are teaching your kids a great lesson on the importance of giving. <3