In the 19th and 20th centuries, people rang in the first of May with a charming and elegant tradition. They would take flowers that had been gathered at the end of April's showers and arrange them in pretty paper along with gifts and candies. These May Baskets would be placed on the doors of friends and neighbors as a way to welcome them into warmer weather.
At Sauder Village, we often create Tussie-mussies, also called nosegays, which are bouquets of flowers arranged in concentric circles. In the Victorian era, these posies were selected to send messages of love or friendship. Make a simple tussie-mussie for your sweetheart with both garden-grown and store-bought flowers.
To make a Tussie-Mussie:
1. Gather some sturdy paper to color or decorate. Make the paper into a cone (like a party hat)!
2. Secure the cone in place using glue, tape or staples. If using glue, you can use a clothespin to hold it in place while the glue dries.
3. Add colorful ribbons and fill the cone with fresh, dried or artificial flowers.
Congratulations! Now you can share your Tussie-Mussie with family or friends!
