May Day was 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. My mother was part Pennsylvania Dutch and she had some strange stories and beliefs. She told me once what she and her sister Dorothy had done on May Day every year. They would get up early in the morning right after sunrise. They wouldn't speak to each other and walk down the stairs and outside backwards. They would kneel in the dew covered grass and rub the dew on their face and pat their backs with it. Now what this was suppose to do is take the freckles off your face and place them somewhere else....where ever you patted. She also had a song they sang but I really don't remember it. Now this might seem strange but this is true....she didn't have any freckles on her face but her back and shoulders were covered with them. Interesting huh? Does anyone else have any stories about May Day? Sure would love to hear them.
As always, Barbara
