The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

EASTERTIDE--POLISH-AMERICAN CUSTOM

IN THE UNITED STATES, ESPECIALLY IN HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN
POLISH-AMERICANS CELEBRATE "DYNGUS" DAY. THIS OCCURS ON
THE FIRST DAY AFTER EASTER. POLISH-AMERICAN BOYS ARE
ALLOWED TO SWITCH GIRLS ON THE LEGS WITH SMALL TREE
BRANCHES. JUST AS IN THE POLISH CUSTOM, POLISH-AMERICAN
BOYS ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HOME OF THE GIRL AND EVEN
ENTER HER BEDROOM TO SWITCH HER. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER
EASTER, THE POLISH-AMERICAN GIRLS GET THE SAME OPPORTUNITY
TO SWITCH THE BOYS WITH SLENDER TWIGS. THE BOYS WERE
USUALLY SMARTER THAN THE GIRLS AND NEVER STAYED HOME ON
THE SECOND DAY AFTER EASTER. SWITCHING WAS NEVER DONE
OUTDOORS, AND THE BOYS WERE USUALLY PAID A FEW DIMES OR
NICKELS WHEN THEY SWITCHED A GIRL, AND IF THE GIRL'S
PARENTS DIDN'T HAVE MUCH MONEY, THEY GAVE FRUIT.

Submitter comment: CUSTOM IS NOT STILL PRACTICED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Date learned: 10-15-1969