What Ever Happened to the ‘May Day Basket’ Tradition?

Drop some flowers, ring the bell and then run away. Why don't many do that anymore? I think I know why and how to bring it back.

A friend asked me today why nobody does the 'May Day Basket' thing anymore. She said she misses that from when she was younger. I remember making the baskets in elementary school. I guess I miss it too. But I think I know how to bring it back.

Since she asked me a question that I couldn't answer, I did what we all do when we don't have an answer... I Googled it. So let's start at the beginning.

According to a story published at npr.org, May Basket Day took place throughout the 19th and 20th centuries all across America. They quoted a reporter from the Sterling, Illinois Gazette from 1871:

"A May-basket is — well, I hardly know how to describe it; but 'tis something to be hung on a door. Made of paper generally, it contains almost anything, by way of small presents you have in mind to put in it, together with your respects, best wishes — love, perhaps. It is hung after dark at the door of anybody the hanger fancies. — Which done, the said hanger knocks and scampers."

In its early days, 'May Day', the ancient Spring festival, even included dancing, singing and cake. I'm down with that cake part but singing and dancing can wait until tequila on May 5th. Ok, I digress.

Back to the history part. May Day was not only celebrated in the U.S. but all over the world. History buffs can click here to read more. That's too much history for me to try to paraphrase here. I was lucky if I made it to history class in high school. My theory was people say history repeats itself so I thought I'd catch the reruns. In my case, reruns turned into summer school. Look how quickly I keep getting sidetracked. Maybe the problem with May Day traditions is that it's TOO OLD and not interesting enough anymore. I read that this tradition dates back to before Christ and even has Pagan connections.

What I do have interest in is making others smile, so maybe we just need to change it up a little.

I think it's still a good idea to have kids make May Day baskets out of paper and deliver them to people's doorsteps but maybe what we put in the baskets should change. Flowers and candy still make people smile but maybe we could add:

• a Starbucks gift card
• a gas card
• an iTunes gift card
• cupcakes
• a handwritten coupon offerring a free service; like a lawn mowed, or a car washed
• Cinco de Mayo is 4 days later, perhaps some tacos, tequila or margarita mix
• It's the start of grilling season so maybe a pork shoulder and a good rub
• a six-pack of beer

I know some of this sounds crazy but my point is if you want to bring the tradition back, make it more exciting. If your mission is to make someone smile, I think it's best if you make it stand out in some way. The benefits of that are the additional smiles you'll create days, weeks or even months later. Flowers wilt and die and candy is played out. Get creative with your May Day basket filler and have some fun.

Oh and don't forget, if you're going to leave tequila, leave a lime.