May Basket Mayhem!

One of my fondest memories of my childhood was May 1. Every year, the “May Fairy” would put a May basket on my front porch, ring the bell, then scurry away before she could be seen. I was always amazed to rush to open the door and see my gift, but not the fairy. Now I found out the fairy was my grandmother when I got older, but those special May baskets always held an air of mystique…I never knew when she was coming or what she would bring.

The May Basket tradition started with Louisa May Alcott’s novel, “Jack and Jill.” In the novel, Scott describes how girls would agree to make and deliver May baskets if the boys would search and collect the flowers. The eve of May 1, girls would quietly deliver their baskets to spread spring cheer to their friends and neighbors.

While my grandmother has grown too old to be the fairy anymore, the tradition still lives on. My mom makes May baskets for neighbors, and with this guide, you too can create a May basket surprise for someone you know!

Here’s What You Need:

*A basket or pretty bag
*Colorful Tissue Paper
*Fresh Flowers (Tulips and Chrysanthemums are my favorite)
*Candy (Hershey’s Kisses in spring colors, Fannie May Mint-Meltaways, etc.)
*A DVD (Avatar or Princess and the Frog might be good choices)
*A Magazine (Seventeen, Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, etc.)

Here’s What to Do:

1. Assemble your basket: Put the colored tissue paper in first, then place items based on the receiver’s personality in the basket (example: if a girl, put in lip gloss and fresh flowers). You can also include a note that explains the tradition for good measure, but make sure to leave out your name!
2. Go to the receiver’s house, locker, workplace, etc. If a doorbell is available, ring it then run away so the person can’t see you! If you’re leaving it on your friend’s locker, make sure it’s a time when people won’t tear it down (passing period=not a good idea).
3. If the person asks if you sent the May basket, you can either play coy or admit it. Don’t worry if this person doesn’t realize you gave the gift- part of the fun of giving out May baskets is the sense of anonymous love.

Have you ever received a May Basket? What did it contain? Are you going to make a basket with Mandy’s directions? Comment below!