The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

EASTER CUSTOM

THE POLES INCLUDE THE MONDAY AFTER EASTER AS A PART OF THEIR EASTER
OBSERVANCE. ON "DYNGUS" THE BOYS UNDER TWENTY-ONE SQUIRT GIRLS WITH
WATER UNTIL THEY RECEIVE A "PISANKA", WHICH IS AN ARTISTICALLY
DECORATED EASTER EGG.

Submitter comment:

THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT WHEN HER DAUGHTERS WERE GROWING UP IN
THIS COUNTRY SHE WOULD HAVE TO BRIBE THE BOYS WITH MONEY WHEN THEY
WOULD COME AROUND ON "DYNGUS" SO THEY WOULDN'T SQUIRT HER DAUGHTERS
WITH WATER.

Data entry tech comment:

DYNGUS MEANS "RANSOM" IN POLISH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY

Date learned: 02-07-1971