The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SLOVAK EASTER CUSTOM

ON MONDAY AFTER EASTER SUNDAY, THE YOUNG, SINGLE MEN WENT OUT TO
SEE HIS FAVORITE GIRL AND POURED PERFUMED WATER
ON HER HEAD AND SHE USED IT TO WASH HER
 FACE .
BUT THE BOYS WHO HAD NO GIRL IN PARTICULAR WENT INTO HOMES, DRAGGED
THE YOUNG LADY OUT TO THE WELL, AND DOUSED HER GOOD. THE MORE
POPULAR THE YOUNG LADY IS, THE MORE MEN CAME, AND OF COURSE THE
PARENTS WERE VERY HAPPY THAT THEIR DAUGHTER IS SO POPULAR AND HAD
MANY WOULD-BE SUITERS.
WHEN THE BOYS WATERED THE GIRLS, THE GIRL'S PARENTS INVITED THE BOYS
INTO THEIR HOME AND OFFERED THEM GOODIES AND DRINKS; SLIVOVIC (A PLUM
LIQUOR), KOLBASI, HAM, ETC.
ON EASTER TUESDAY, THE YOUNG LADIES TRIED TO RETURN THE WATER
SPLASHING ON THE YOUNG MEN.
THE EASTER HOLIDAY LASTED THREE DAYS.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; REVENGE ; SUITORS ; WATER

Date learned: 00001967 FALL