Rekindling a Tradition

Hello Friends,

I am sharing the article I wrote for the April Issue of the Cameron Chronicle.

Happy Reading!

Rekindling a Tradition

By Carla TePaske of Cameron WI ~ The Little Garden That Could

It is the April issue of the Cameron Chronicle, my subject this month has to do with the first day of May, the celebration of spring with a May basket.

May baskets are fast, easy and inexpensive to make, and they are a fun kick off for the garden season.

It is unknown when May baskets originated, but they are probably linked to ancient European rituals that marked the first day of May as the awakening of spring. May baskets became popular in the United States during the 19th century, when people began celebrating May Day by slipping a few early blossoms from a budding garden or field into a container and then quietly leaving it at someone’s door before knocking or ringing the doorbell, and running away. They are meant to be anonymous. May baskets are a gardener’s way to have fun, and put a smile on someone’s face.

Recycled tin cans make an attractive May basket. The cans are able to hold water. Affix a wire handle: punch holes near the top edge, thread wire through, and twist the ends neatly.

Let’s revive the tradition. Get ready, get set, tie some flowers to a doorknob, and run! Until next time happy gardening!