May Day Memories - Showing Compassion

I love May Day from memories of my childhood. May Day is of course, May 1. It was a time of year to welcome the return of spring and new life, after a Midwest winter. What was most exciting about May Day was, May Day baskets! I would make cone shaped baskets out of construction paper and add a strip of paper to the back as a hanger. I then would fill them with candy, baked goods, and fun little trinkets. Then I would run through the neighborhood with these baskets, and hang them on a door of a neighbor friend, ring the bell and run away before they could catch me. They never caught me so I’m not sure what would have happened then. According to folklore, I think the person who caught me was then supposed to kiss me! Good thing I never got caught.

My two daughters also carried out this tradition when they were little. We would get up early, usually a school day, and drive to friends’ houses, drop of the basket, ring the doorbell, and drive away. It was a little different than my childhood where there were other children in the neighborhood. In my adult life I occasionally will drop off or send baskets, flower or cards, to friends on May Day. It’s such a warm feeling bringing sunshine, flowers, spring and joy to people you love. That’ what compassion is about!

May Day, as with many holidays, was rooted in agriculture. It is a great day to exercise my overall passion, “Cultivate Compassion in Children.” Children love making and putting together baskets. Then of course, it’s really exciting dropping them off, ringing the doorbell, and running away, without getting into trouble!

Maypoles were also a part of May Day. In Germany and Austria, the maypole was a decorated tree trunk, dating back to the 16^th century. The maypole dance, a ceremonial fold dance was performed around this tree or pole that is garnished in greens and flowers and hung with ribbons. The ribbons were woven into patters by dancers. We participated in one of these maypole event when our girls were young. It was held in Golden, Colorado. Look it up in your area. It’s beautiful and fun.

May Day is a couple days away. Share here what traditions you may start or continue to do. It’s a bit scary particularly in the US right now so ringing a doorbell and running away may not be the smartest move unless you know for sure you have the right house!

Sonja Wendt

Enhancing children’s sensitivity in human interactions one story at a time.