We love holidays that help us spread love by sharing candy. That’s why we think it’s time to revive May Day and the tradition of the May Day Basket.
May Day is traditionally celebrated on May first with an unconventional method of gift giving. People weave or otherwise craft small paper baskets, fill them with flowers and candy, and then leave them hanging on the doorknobs of people that they love.
With bulk candy and some DIY craftiness, this sweet tradition can make a come-back.
Making Your May Day Basket
May Day baskets are generally small hand-made baskets that can be hung on a doorknob. While they’re traditionally made out of paper, you can get creative and make a May Day Basket out of almost anything. We picked three of our favorite basket styles to get you started.
The Paper Cone Basket is the easiest to make. All you need is a square piece of paper, ribbon, scissors and some glue. Roll the paper into a cone shape and then secure it with the glue.
Using scissors or a hole punch, cut holes in the top of the cone and thread your ribbon through. This will serve as the hanger for the May Day Basket. Fill it with candy or flowers and you’re ready to celebrate.
More advanced crafters can try the Woven Paper Basket. You’ll need paper, scissors, glue, paper clips, a ruler, and a pencil. These baskets look best if you use two different colors of paper and weave them together. This tutorial from makezine.com includes full directions.
You can also use Unconventional Materials like tin cans or mason jars to make your May Day Basket. All you have to do is add some ribbon or string to use as a hanger, and you’ve created a beautiful upcycled May Day Basket.
Filling Your May Day Basket
May Day Baskets are traditionally filled with flowers and sweet treats. We recommend spring themed bulk candy like Spring Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey Spring Kisses, Albanese Spring Gummi Bears or Twizzler Spring Pull n Peel. The bright colors and sweet flavors will bring joy to your May Day Basket recipient.
If you want to combine flowers and sweets, we recommend choosing a Fancy Flower Pop, filling an organza bag with Celebration Shimmer Pastel Flowers, or scattering a handful of Awesome Blossom Gummies.
Since May Day baskets are an old tradition that reached the peak of popularity in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, nostalgic candy is a fit ing choice for your May Day Basket. We recommend Petite Candy Sticklettes, Necco Candy Buttons, Bit-O-Honey, Dairy Rich Caramel Squares , or Necco Wafers.
Delivering Your May Day Basket
When you’re basket is built and ready, all you have left to do is deliver it. Traditionally May Day Baskets are delivered using the ding-dong-ditch method. You sneak up to the door, hang the basket on the knob, ring the doorbell and run away.
We think it’s nicer if you stay long enough to say hello to your neighbor. Besides, they might share their candy with you.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.