Dyngus Day

Dyngus Day History

Dyngus Day, also known as Śmigus Dyngus or wet Monday, is a Catholic celebration held on the Monday after Easter. Typically celebrated in Poland and Polish communities, common traditions include dousing others with water in a playful way. Large public water battles are commonly held in Polish communities around the world. This day is believed to have been formed from Slavic traditions and pagan beliefs. It is believed that it goes as far back as 996 AD.

Dyngus Day is believed to have been started in the 1000th century. Today it is observed around the world as Polish emigrants carried the tradition with them. It is observed annually on the Monday after Easter.

Facts about Dyngus Day

• Dyngus Day had been associated with the baptism of the first king of Poland Mieszko I. The tradition was that Prince Mieszko I, along with his court, was baptized on Easter Monday. In more modern times, Dyngus Day had begun to be associated with farm boys in Poland. Wanting to attract the attention of girls, they would splash one another with water and hit each other with pussywillows. Both traditions are still observed today but the day is seen as more of a celebratory one.
• According to a Polish legend, pussywillows became an important symbol when a litter of kittens fell into a raging river hundreds of years ago. The mother cat wept at the river’s edge, pleading for help for her drowning kittens. The nearby willows heard her cries and swept their branches into the water. The kittens were able to hold onto the branches and be returned to shore. From that day on, every Spring the willows would sprout fur-like buds where the tiny kittens once clung.
• The tradition started to catch on with younger Buffalonians who were looking to reclaim some of their Polish heritage, or just looking for an excuse to shake off the winter months with vodka and pierogies - Wall Street Journal
• In the United States, Dyngus Day is especially celebrated in Polish-American communities. Buffalo, New York, holds the biggest Dyngus Day celebration in the U.S, started in the 1960s.

In the News and Trending for Dyngus Day

Top things to do for Dyngus Day

• Watch the 2021 Dyngus Day parade. It will be livestreamed if you can't attend in person.
• Splash others with water or playfully tap them with pussywillows. This old tradition continues to be observed with many participating in the cheerful fun.
• Explore foods and drinks to celebrate Dyngus Day with.