Has the tradition of May baskets wilted away?

Janet B. Shannon wrote a letter to the Star Tribune in 1995, calling for a resurgence of May baskets. Fifteen years later, she is still waiting.

"Sadly, people still talk about them as a thing of the past," she said of the candy- and flower-filled baskets she used to give and receive as a child and then later with her own children.

While it's true that the gesture of leaving a small goody basket for neighbors has largely gone by the wayside, the tradition is alive and well in schools, churches and hospitals.

Students at Oak Grove Elementary School in Bloomington have been making and delivering May baskets to hospital patients for the past several years as a way to give back to the community. And at Oakwood Elementary in Wayzata, a kindergarten class makes baskets every year for their "third-grade buddies" as a way to thank them for their contributions to the class throughout the year.

The tradition of leaving the baskets on a neighbor's doorstep, usually anonymously, dates back to pre-Christian Europe as a tribute to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers.

It's intertwined with May Day, which has long been celebrated throughout the world on May 1.

Its origin and significance vary from country to country, but the day often marks the arrival of spring with parades, festivals and flowers.

In the United States, the art of making baskets became popular, particularly with children.

"But nowadays, life is so busy," said Shannon, of Bloomington, "that we don't take the time to do simple acts of kindness for people."

That's the driving force behind one event this weekend in the Twin Cities.

The Bachman's family is celebrating its 125th anniversary with free May basket-making classes at several of its stores.

"It needs a little resurgence," said Susan Bachman West. "It's a good way to say hello to your neighbors after a long winter, show kind gestures and instill in your children that flowers and nature can brighten a person's day so much."

For Janet B. Shannon, perhaps this spring will be brighter -- with May Day returning -- in the form of a basket at her door.

Aimée Blanchette • 612-673-1715