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Maypole Flowers

Ahh, the simpler times. (Image: iStock)

Let’s bring back the sweet tradition of May Day flowers

Thursday (May 1, 2025) is May Day. Bring back a forgotten ritual!

Does anybody give out May Day flowers anymore?

I can remember doing it as a kid, at my mom’s urging. It was simple and fun — we picked a few blossoms, maybe tied a ribbon around them, then put them on neighbors’ porches, rang the bell and took off before being discovered. We didn’t bother with making a “basket.” But I had friends who made a “basket” for the flowers by rolling a square piece of paper into a cone.

 

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Maybe with a paper handle stapled on or a ribbon, maybe not. Maybe they even got fancy and colored the paper before wrapping it up. No big deal, but with little kids it probably was a project that filled a couple of hours or maybe the whole morning.

Apparently this is a rite of spring that has mostly run its course. NPR several years back took a deep dive into the “forgotten tradition” of May Basket Day.  I say: Let’s bring it back! What a sweet, simple way to teach kids about kindness and brighten someone’s day.

If you want May Day basket ideas there are tons of cute ideas on Pinterest, and Instagram. 

I  like to keep it simple. Pick (or purchase) a few flowers, put them in small vases, little baskets or paper cones and go spread good cheer! You could choose to do it anonymously or with a little note.

 

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About the Author

Julie Hanson