Anyone familiar with May baskets?

Started by Otaku

Otaku

Are any of you familiar with the custom of hanging May baskets on May 1st.? May baskets are make of coloured tissue paper which is folded and cross cut to make a lattice pattern when they hang down. Then a handle is attached. In the early 1930s young men would hang a May basket on the door of the girl(s) he fancied. When the girl came to the door, she was obliged to kiss the young man. By the 1950s, it had lost its romantic connotation but was a popular activity among children. Children hung May baskets on their friends who rewarded them with a kiss. This was a tradition in the area where I grew up but I have never heard of it being practiced elsewhere, not even 50 or 60 miles from my home. Is anyone else familiar with this custom?

maggiemae

yes Otaku I am 59 and very familiar with that tradition and since then we now have aids and other kissy face conditions. But oh yes made many a basket in my life time lol. Thx for the memories.

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