Ring The Bell And Run Away!

"Look as long as you can at the friend you love,

no matter whether that friend is moving away

or coming toward you."

Rumi

Leaving flowers at a friend's door was a once celebrated tradition on the first day of May.  It was a seasonal rite of passing, displaying spring flowers.  The curious custom encouraged the gathering of flowers to be wrapped in paper or more ornately in baskets.

Perhaps, it was simply the spirit of the times that encouraged friends or lovers to secretly collect flowers, and place them in a unique container without any identifying clues.   The quaint custom required one to quickly leave the surprise on the doorknob or doorstep; to ring the bell; and then scamper away.  

May baskets were made in elementary school or Sunday school, Brownies or Scouts, and many other youth focused organizations.  Small glass bottles from earlier days, wax milk cartons, excess wallpaper, and various jars from mayonnaise to mustard were frequently used. If a yard offers violets, clover, and dandelions, gather a small bunch and leave them mysteriously on the neighbor's porch.  It's the thought that counts and don't forget to ring the bell and run away!  Happy May Day!