Activity One May 2009

May Day Baskets

May 1 – May Day

Historically May 1 has been a day to celebrate spring. People celebrated with May Poles, flowers, baskets and other festivities. Since the 1880s May Day in other parts of the world has been a day to celebrate the labor movement. Canada, the U.S. and Bermuda are the only countries to observe Labor Day in September.

May Day in the U.S. was proclaimed Law Day in 1958, however most Americans think of the day as a celebration of spring. Traditionally children make baskets, fill them with goodies and give them away.

In France, May is the month of the Virgin Mary. In honor of Mary, the French crown young girls as May queens who then lead processions through the streets.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the warm weather, the flowers and trees that are bursting with new growth. We ask you to bless us as we celebrate May Day. Amen.

Activity: May Day Baskets

Use a lunch bag, or use left-over envelopes to make May baskets.

To use an envelope: Seal the envelope (that is square or almost square), and cut about 1/4” off the top fold with a decorative scissors.

Punch a hole on each side of the bag or envelope and lace a ribbon through each side for hanging.

Decorate the sides of the "basket" with stickers or drawings by the children.

Fill the baskets with candy, tea bags or other goodies for seniors in your community. Add a note that reads, “God bless you on May Day.”

Tell the children leave the basket secretly somewhere that their "giftee" will find it!

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This activity is from The Big Book of Catholic Customs and Traditions for Children's Faith Formation, edited by Beth Branigan McNamara with Sue Robinson and Anne E. Neuberger.  Paperback, 184 pages, $24.94 plus S&H»