The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH EASTERTIDE CUSTOM

IN POLAND, ON THE FIRST DAY AFTER EASTER, POLISH BOYS ARE ALLOWED
TO SPRINKLE OR SQUIRT WATER AT ANY GIRL IN THEIR VILLAGE. PARENTS OF
THESE POLISH GIRLS EVEN ALLOW THE BOYS TO COME INTO THEIR HOMES AND
EVEN GO INTO THE BEDROOM OF THE GIRL TO SQUIRT HER WITH WATER.
THE WATER THAT THE BOYS USE MUST BE CLEAN AND NOT DIRTY. POLISH BOYS
MAY ALSO USE PERFUMES INSTEAD OF WATER. THIS CERTAIN DAY AFTER
EASTER IS CALLED "DYNGUS" DAY. BOYS REALLY RELISH THEIR OPPORTUNITY
TO CHASE GIRLS TO GET THEM WET.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; WATER