Squirt Guns And Pussywillows

Easter Sunday was always an important holiday in my household while growing up. Nothing said Easter Sunday like going to church, having an Easter egg hunt, butter lambs and my father's famous ham.  Truth be told, my dad was a much better cook than my mom, and fortunately, she didn't mind turning over the cooking duties to him.  While Easter was a wonderful day, with my Polish heritage Easter Monday was just as important.

Easter Monday in Polish tradition is Dyngus Day.  Dyngus Day is meant to be a day of fun and merriment following the solemn Lenten season.  It's also a day meant for courting and wooing your heart's desire.  On Dyngus Day, young men are supposed to chase their intended and wet her down by any means available, hoses, buckets of water, squirt guns, even cologne.  If water isn't handy, they can grab a switch of pussy willows and (hopefully!) gently hit their lady on the calves.  Romantic, huh?  Don't worry, gals!  You have a chance to get revenge!  On Tuesday, it's Polish tradition for the girls to throw dishes back at the boys.  All of this doesn't sound very romantic to me; in fact, it sounds more like a way to discourage the one you supposedly love!  Case in point - I remember when I was about ten years old a neighborhood boy who apparently had a crush on me chased me on Dyngus Day and doused me with a squirt gun.  Not impressed with his show of affection, I promptly kicked him - hard - in the shin!  Wonder if he still has the bruise?

Whatever traditions you follow for Easter and/or the days following, I hope you have a blessed holiday!  Happy Easter and Happy Dyngus Day!