May Day

Like most holidays, the origin usually begins with some pagan ritual worshiping a goddess of sort...well May Day is no different.  But over centuries, it has become less about celebrating the fertility and flower goddesses, to just celebrating spring and traditions.

Traditionally, towns would compete with each other to see who could provide the largest Maypole.  They would bring it to the center of town, tie ribbons and flowers to it, and children would dance around the pole interweaving the ribbons to the end.

May Day is also about celebrating spring...so flowers are a must!  Flower garlands around a girl's head is traditional attire.

May Day baskets are so much fun to do with children and they are a great way to brighten up your neighbor's day.

These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.

This basket below is very quick to make and beautiful.  

May Day Cone Basket Template

I love that his one is in a mason jar and full of gummies, windmills, butterflies and roses!

Just gorgeous!

Food!  Well, food on this holiday is very similar to Easter, but more simple.  Any food that provokes Spring in people's mind would be completely appropriate.  But the food that is the biggest show stopper at a May Day Event is the May Day Cake!

So if you are planning on a May Day celebration or a fun night with your family, there are 4 basic things to provide: a May Pole with ribbons, flower headdresses, May Day baskets to take to your neighbors, and a delicious May Day cake!  Even one of those things repeated each year on May Day would provide for great memories for you and your family!