There is a hint of spring in old Annapolis. The trees are beginning to bud and even my trusty friend "blushing bride" Hydrangeas are showing signs of life.
I'm really a kid at heart and so at the first signs of spring I naturally think of May Baskets.
The tradition of the ancient Roman and Druid holiday of May Day has endured for centuries.
It has been a celebration of spring turning into the pleasures of summer. Traditionally, a "Maypole" was the focus of spring. Gathering flowers and branches became a tradition and "bringing in the May" became a
popular activity on May 1.
The giving of baskets became part of the festivities later in the evolution of May Day.
Today baskets are often made by little children, filled with candy or flowers and then placed on people's doorsteps or tied to the door handle, as they ring the doorbell and dash away before they are caught. You can participate in this activity yourself by making a special May Day basket or using any small basket to fill with flowers to give to a friend.
Why wait for May to spread a little cheer, to show someone you care. There is no better time in life than this very moment. May baskets are a wonderful tradition to share with family while displaying another example of the cycle of life.
Go on, feel like a child again. You know you absolutely want to.
Fill a small basket with freshly gathered Spring blossoms. Tuck a small vase or something that will hold water into the bottom of the basket and fill the basket with a selection of flowers. Tie a bow or ribbon streamers onto the handle and fasten it to the door handle of a friend.
Until we meet again.
- Posted by The Preppy Times
No comments:
Post a Comment