Mondays with Nonnie; A May Day Surprise

The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times, with the festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers, and the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. It is also associated with the Gaelic Beltane. Many pagan celebrations were abandoned or Christianized during the process of conversion in Europe. A more secular version of May Day continues to be observed in Europe and America. In this form, May Day may be best known for its tradition of dancing the Maypole and crowning of the Queen of the May. While February 1 was the first day of Spring, May 1 was the first day of summer; hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was Midsummer. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets and/or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbours' doorsteps.                                                                                                      [15] Wikipedia

Not one to depart from tradition, even if it is 'fading from popularity', my family makes the secret delivery of "May Baskets" to our friends and neighbors a fun activity for our first Monday Family Night in May. We always love the thrill of ringing someone's doorbell, hanging a basket on their door handle and bolting to the car like our lives depended on it! We stick strictly to flowers, preferably from our garden, however, we've been known to run to the grocery store for a bouquet or two if necessary:). Who doesn't love opening the door to find beautiful flowers? Now go check your door we May have stopped by your home! Happy May Day!

With Love,

Nonnie