May Day baskets, typically filled with flowers and tokens of affection, are secretly left on a recipient's doorknob or porch—often accompanied by a quick ring of the doorbell before the basket-giver disappears.

The tradition is possibly tied to the pagan festival of Beltane, a celebration of renewal. But across cultures and centuries, May celebrations have included floral traditions, symbolizing love, resilience and abundance. In ancient Rome, the festival of Floralia was held to honor the Goddess of flowers and fertility. In Russia, it is customary to give carnations for Victory Day. In the Philippines, the Flores de Mayo is held, where children offer flowers before the image of the Virgin Mary.

In the United States, the practice of gifting May Day baskets dates back to at least the late 19th century. Louisa May Alcott’s 1880 novel Jack and Jill describes young girls and boys gathering flowers to fill baskets as part of this seasonal tradition. Leaving a basket was also often a form of flirtation, sometimes initiating a playful chase for a kiss.

In the early 20th century, the tradition was so popular that first lady Grace Coolidge received May Day baskets at the White House entrance on multiple occasions. Children delivering the baskets would hide behind the pillars, awaiting for Mrs. Coolidge to step outside and discover their gift.

By at least the 1950s, Hallmark had also capitalized on the custom, marketing Hallmark May Baskets as an alternative to the handmade tradition. Hallmark even claimed the practice traced “back to Colonial days, when the early settlers brought the custom from England.”

Despite its joyful history, the popularity of May Day baskets has largely faded. The reasons for its decline are unclear, but changing social norms, urbanization and the rise of other holidays may have played a role.

Yet, as Louisa May Alcott wrote, “Such laughing, whistling, flying about of flowers and friendly feeling—it was almost a pity that May Day did not come oftener.”