Polish Spring Traditions in Slavic Village - Page 3
Wiosenne Tradycje
March 20, 2011

Smingus Dyngus [pronounced SCHMEEN-goose DEEN-goose] is the name for Easter Monday in Poland. The stories of the holiday's origins are mixed and can be found back to pagan eras. Most like to claim it remembers the baptism on Easter Monday of Mieszko I (Duke of the Poland, c. 935 - 992) in 966 AD, uniting all of Poland under the banner of Christianity. Now it is a time for mischief and fun.

Early in the morning, boys awake girls by pouring a bucket of water on their head and striking them about the legs with palmy wielkanocne, decorated pussy willow branches, long thin twigs or switches made from willow, birch or decorated tree branches. The custom of pouring water was an ancient spring rite of cleansing and baptism, the switching with willows to feel the sting of God's suffering and make one feel worthy in the coming year.

Today it is quite common for girls to attack potential suitors or even random strangers just as fiercely and often with perfume.

The Smingus Dyngus performance was by the Gorale Polish Folk Dancers of PNA.

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