The Catholic Church celebrates Easter Monday. It is the second day of the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord. In Polish tradition, it is also Śmigus-Dyngus, or “poured Monday”.
Father Professor Jan Sochoń explains that Easter Monday is still an important time for meeting the Risen Jesus. All the events we celebrate that constitute the history of our Salvation are important.
We might even say that ordinary time is important, maybe even more important. All events, even the simplest, everyday ones, are events leading to Salvation, touching the life of Jesus, so they are important – explained the priest.
Easter Monday is also Śmigus-Dyngus, associated primarily with the tradition of throwing water
In many Polish homes today, guns, eggs, bowls and other accessories for pouring water will be used. For centuries, the second day of Easter in Poland has been symbolized by Śmigus-Dyngus. The custom is also celebrated locally in other Slavic countries.
Although “Wet Monday” is associated with Easter, its roots come from pagan rituals – informs Magdalena Trzaska from National Institute of Rural Culture and Heritage:
“The belief in the power of water, i.e. in the ability to give life and ensure fertility, is visible here. Few know that in the past these were two separate customs. Śmigus involved symbolic beating each other’s legs with willow twigs or palm trees and pouring water on each other. This symbolized symbolic cleansing from diseases, dirt, and also sin. Dyngus was the term used to describe Easter caroling,” he describes.
The first mentions of Śmigus-Dyngus in Poland date back to the 15th century.
Water and courtship
In folk tradition, pouring water was associated with courtship. Bachelors poured water on them, and girls gave them eggs, including handmade Easter eggs.
This was the case, for example, in the former village of Opoczno – says folk artist Zofia Migowska, who recalls that water was poured on Sunday evenings.
Listen: https://radiolodz.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OBRAZEK-dyngusiarze.mp3
The girls supposedly ran away from the water, but in the end they allowed themselves to be doused because they believed that it would bring them success.
The police remind us about safety
The police appeal for people to respect traditions with moderation and common sense. It also warns that all acts of vandalism will be punished.
– The police remind us that pouring water on Easter Monday can be considered customary behavior, as long as it does not exceed the norms generally accepted in a given environment. Behavior that exceeds these norms may make the perpetrator responsible for the offense committed, and in extreme cases even for a crime. Disturbing public order may result in a fine of up to PLN 500. Damage to property or bodily injury are crimes punishable by up to 5 years in prison – says Dariusz Kaczmarek from the District Police Headquarters in Radomsko.
The police will ensure the safety of passers-by.