Happy May Day

In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organised by the unions, anarchist, and socialist groups. May Day is also a traditional holiday in many cultures. - Wikepedia

That's all fine and surely very important, but we are mainly interested in this charming custom: May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged. - Wikipedia

Or perhaps the French version (because our global warming spring has actually produced blooming Muguet du Bois in time): On May 1st, 1561, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a lily of the valley each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom on the 1st of May, to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of springtime. The government permits individuals and workers' organisations to sell them free of taxation. It is also traditional for the lady receiving the spray of lily of valley to give a kiss in return. Now, people may present loved ones with bunches of lily of the valley or dog rose flowers. - Wikipedia (Dog rose flowers???)

My virtual May Basket to you... a variety of crabapple blossoms from around the neighborhood. Enjoy, and if you decide to deliver a real May basket, ring, and run like the wind (unless of course you want to be caught).