Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

May Day flowers

May Day flower baskets are a simple, fun tradition

Monday (May 1, 2023) 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. 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 a few 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.

May Day flowers: ideas

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

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.

 

Originally published April 2019

In the spirit of spring:

Oh la la! Ciscoe Morris tips for gardening with kids

Gardening with kids: Match the task to their age and interest

Head to here for more at-home Spring fun activities: The-Playlist Garden-themed, At-home Activities for Kids.

 

About the Author

Julie Hanson