Ever since I can remember, we have celebrated May Day (May 1st) with the giving of candy-filled cones. My parents' families always celebrated it, so we are carrying on the tradition! :)
My paternal grandmother would cut Morton salt containers in half, add ribbon handles and fill them with popcorn and candy for my dad and his siblings.
My maternal grandmother would help my mom and her sisters make paper cones that they would fill with candy and give away.
All in all, it's a pretty fun tradition! Any excuse to get or give cones full of candy is a good one, right?
My mom got the idea that we should make a May Day basket for an elderly lady in our church who lives at a nursing home. It seemed to be quite the splendid idea!
We made a cone out of buckram, and found a couple of cheery, springy fabrics to use for the inside and outside...
...and added some lace, ribbons and bows.
That polka dot fabric is SO cute!
We went to the antique store and found a couple of gorgeous handkerchiefs to put in the basket. They are SO beautiful, and in absolutely perfect condition! They are both rolled hemmed by hand.
We included this little May Day rhyme based on the song "Trust and Obey."
And for the most important contents of the whole basket, candy! Actually, chocolate. Lots of it. :)
We also threw in a tiny bottle of lotion and some chapstick.
I don't think either of us are quite ready to go into the May Day-basket-making business for good, but it was certainly a fun project to make!
And since I was in a May Day-celebrating mood, I whipped up a basket (out of paper, mind you!) for each of us.
Various chocolates for Dad, a vintage-style scarf, candy and a tulip for Mom, and chocolate and a tulip for me!
Do you celebrate May Day?
Happy May Day to you as well! :D We've never really celebrated it per se. When my sisters and I were little make May Day baskets (if I remember correctly they were cones made of construction paper) for the neighbors. We filled them with whatever flowers were blooming. Usually it was lilacs! :)
ReplyDelete{hugs}
Michelle ^_^
Delightful Handwork
Thank you, Michelle! Oooh, lilac-filled cones sound amazing! Strangely enough, we've never really done the flowers-in-cones thing until this year. Up until now it's been strictly calorie-filled contents. ;)
DeleteThat's such a lovely idea, and I'm sure the lady at your church will be thrilled that you made such an effort for her!
ReplyDeleteI think that if all goes to plan, my family and I shall be going to a Victorian May Day event with traditional activities, but that's if the weather is nice that day. Apart from that, we don't really celebrate it.
Thank you, Ellie! She was indeed thrilled to get it, I'm glad to say!
DeleteOooh, that sounds like a lovely event! I've never been to an actual May Day celebration. It sounds thrilling! :)
My family has never celebrated May Day, but your traditions sound like such delights! (especially the chocolate ;P) And what a lovely gift to give to the elderly lady. I'm sure she will like it. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Brigid
the Middle Sister and Singer
There's always next year, right? :)
DeleteThank you, Brigid!
That's such a lovely idea and so thoughtful. I'm sure she was thrilled with her May day basket!
ReplyDeleteWww.pearlsandpurlsvintage.blogspot.com
Thank you, Hayley Ann!! She was very happy to receive the basket! :)
DeleteOh! I just love this idea!! The May Day basket you put together for your elderly friend is so sweet. I am sure she was delighted!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah! I'm so glad you like it! :)
DeleteThese are so wonderfully charming. I love the instant hit of old-fashionedness that they inject. What a charming, creative, awesome ways to welcome May. Thank you for sharing this great idea with us, sweet dear.
ReplyDeleteJoyful start of May wishes,
♥ Jessica
Thank you, Jessica!! I love the old-fashionedness of it too!!
DeleteOh I wish I had seen this before May Day! you have inspired me with your pretty project and photos for next year.
ReplyDeleteAww, I wish I had posted it on April 30th! :) But I'm glad I could inspire you for next year! Thanks, Justine!!
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