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May Day celebrations have taken many forms over the years and traditions vary from country to country. One tradition that is still observed by some is the making and distributing of May baskets to friends and neighbors. This guide offers ideas and tips on how to make a May basket.
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May Day celebrations have taken many forms over the years and traditions vary from country to country. One tradition that is still observed by some is the making and distributing of May baskets to friends and neighbors. This guide offers ideas and tips on how to make a May basket.
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Introduction
- According to tradition, children would fill baskets with flowers and then hang these baskets on their neighbors' doorknobs early in the morning on May 1, May Day. The children would then run away, but, if they were caught by the resident of the house, this person would give the child a kiss. Although the tradition of handing out May baskets is not as popular as it once was, creating and distributing May baskets is still a great craft for kids, and can not only be a fun way to teach them about sharing, but is also a welcome surprise for the recipient.
Step 1: The Basket
- May baskets can take many different forms and can be virtually any shape or size. However, since they will be hung on doorknobs, smaller baskets with some type of handle work well. You can either buy inexpensive baskets at a craft or hobby store, use leftover Easter Baskets or make your own basket out of materials you have lying around the house.
- Ideas for homemade May baskets include:
- Get an empty cereal, or other food box and cover it with wallpaper or wrapping paper. Punch a hole on either side of the box and thread a piece of ribbon or string through the holes to create a hanger
- Use paint, markers, stickers and the like to decorate a paper plate. Roll the paper plate into a cone and tape or staple it in place. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the open end of the cone and then thread a ribbon through the holes to create a hanger
- Cut the top half off an empty two-liter pop bottle. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the open end of the bottle and then use a length of ribbon passed through these holes to make a hanger
- Get a clean, empty yogurt, sour cream, or other plastic container. Decorate a piece of construction paper and then wrap the decorated paper around the outside of the container, securing it with tape. Punch two holes near the top of the container and then use a ribbon or string threaded through the holes to create a hanger.
Step 2: Fill the Basket
- Although fresh flowers are a traditional filling for May baskets, you can also fill them with:
- Wrapped candies
- Homemade or store bought cookies
- Tea bags
- Handmade paper flowers
- Dried flowers
- Seed packets
Conclusion
- Once you have made and filled your May baskets, have fun handing them out. Either go with tradition and hang them anonymously on doorsteps, or simply think of people you know who may appreciate the gesture. You can give your baskets to friends, family members and neighbors, or use them to brighten up a local nursery home.
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