May baskets are still given (and kisses stolen) in Otter Creek, Maine
May Day (May 1st) is celebrated in many places around the world. One of the most popularly known May Day traditions is to hang a basket full of flowers and small gifts on a neighbor’s doorknob. The trick is you don’t want the neighbor to see you! If spotted, they will chase you, and steal a kiss.
In Otter Creek, several generations ago, George Davis was courting Nettie Grover. He was intimidated by Nettie’s father, and decided to leave her basket on the door knob while it was still dark, so he would not be seen. While he may have liked a kiss from Nettie, a lecture from her father was another matter! George hung the little May basket up, and dashed off into the night. What he did not know was that the Grovers had moved their outhouse, and had yet to fill in the hole. In he went. Not a sweet offering for Nettie, but he must have cleaned up quite nicely, because she married him soon after.
(story from Debbie Rechholtz)