May Baskets
The practice of giving May baskets seems to have fallen somewhat out of favor, but we have made every effort to revive this charming tradition.  Filled with flowers or candy, tradition has it that a decorative May basket should be hung on the recipient's front doorknob. The bell is then rung, and the giver races to hide behind a tree or some bushes. From this hidden vantage point, children can watch with great delight as their thoughtful gifts are received. Tradition also says that if you are caught while delivering a May basket, you are owed a kiss.

To help revive the local tradition of making May baskets for friends and loved ones, Josie Beauchemin, a “crafty” lady of many talents will conduct our Annual May Basket Workshop on Sunday April 20th, from 1 – 3:00 P.M.  Materials will be provided, so just bring your own pair of scissors and and see if your child or grandchild will take you to the May basket Workshop at the Leominster Historical Society!  Donation $6.00 (children under 12, free.)

May Pole
Since the ancient days in Great Britain there prevailed a custom of "bringing in the May" on May Day. On the first day of May, English villagers woke at daybreak to roam the countryside gathering blossoming flowers and branches. A towering maypole was set up on the village green. This pole, usually made of the trunk of a tall birch tree, was decorated with bright field flowers. The villagers then danced and sang around the maypole, accompanied by a piper. This turn-of-the-century picture shows Leominster children dancing around a May pole at Carter Park.