What is May Day a May Basket & a May Pole

May 1st is traditionally celebrated as May Day but what the heck is it?! Don't worry we can give you the background and show you how to make a May Basket and teach you what a May Pole was!

According to various websites May Day was celebrated even before the birth of Christ:

• For Druids it's when Beltane was held and traditionally celebrated by setting of new fire.
• For Romans May Day was a 5 day celebration to worship Flora, the goddess of flowers.
• Puritans discouraged these celebrations however due to their base in pagan connections.

What Are May Baskets:

• According to my elders, these small baskets were filled with flowers and/or treats then left at someone's doorstep.
• The giver would then ring the bell and run away, if the person receiving the basket tried & catches giver, a kiss is exchanged.

What Are May Poles: (This is one part I never understood)

• Apparently youth in old Europe would cut down a tree, lop off the branches then wrapped it round with flowers like the figure of the Attis, an ancient Roman god.
• Then at sunrise, they would take it back to their villages by blowing horns and flutes to the temple of Cybele during the Spring Festival of March 22.

Does anyone make May Baskets anymore?