When the calendar rolls around to May first you should probably reconsider the typical day you think that you will be having. May first, or May Day as it has been titled, is a traditional spring holiday. Most people can probably go the entire day without knowing its a holiday unless you are lucky enough to receive a May Basket.
May Baskets are small baskets or bags filled with little goodies such as popcorn, candy, chocolate, or flowers. Traditionally these baskets are to be set on the doorstep of whom you are delivering too. The giver of the May Baskets is then supposed to ring the doorbell and run away. If you are really in tune to the May Day traditions, the receiver tries to catch the escaping giver. If caught, a kiss is exchanged, so watch out!
The interesting thing about May Day is that it is only celebrated from region to region. As far as I know it is only a Northern Hemisphere holiday, more specifically North American. I would not consider myself to be a May Day expert so if any of you out there would consider yourself knowledgeable in the May Day field, let me know!! Even within regions the celebrations can be sporadic. Having grown up in Cedar Rapids, I received a fair share of May Baskets. On the other hand I have many cousins from the Des Moines area who have never even heard of May Basket giving, how weird! Only two hours away, and May Day traditions vary quite differently.
Even if the whole traditional May Day celebration isn't your thing you can take advantage of the day and just make it a day to let your friends and family know you care about them. Make a few goodie bags, fill them up with popcorn and candy and surprise them! Something like this could make someone's day, who knows. Or if your feeling a little more adventurous gather up your May Baskets and deliver them at your friend's doorstep! Whatever it is that you choose to do come next May first, be spontaneous and most importantly have fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment