The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DYNGUS DAY

ON EASTER MONDAY, YOUNG BOYS TAKE THE BRANCHES OF PUSSYWILLOWS
(DYNGUS) AND SWITCH YOUNG GIRLS WITH THE BRANCHES.

Submitter comment: SOME FAMILIES PAY THE BOYS SO THE BOYS WILL NOT SWITCH THEIR
DAUGHTERS. SOME FAMILIES PAY THE BOYS TO SWITCH THEIR
DAUGHTERS. SOME FAMILIES HAVE GIVEN UP THIS PRACTICE.
PERSONALLY, THE INFORMANT HAS GIVEN UP THIS PRACTICE. HOWEVER, AS
OF 1980, SHE KNOWS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO PERSIST IN SWITCHING
YOUNG GIRLS.

Where learned: DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH

Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980