Śmigus-dyngus

Śmigus-dyngus (Polish pronunciation: [ˈɕmigus ˈdɨnɡus]) or lany poniedziałek (Polish pronunciation: [ˈlanɨ ˌpɔɲɛˈd͡ʑawɛk]) is a celebration held on Easter Monday across Central Europe, and in small parts of Eastern and Southern Europe. The Eastertide tradition is widely associated with Poland in English-speaking countries and is observed by Polish diaspora communities, particularly among Polish Americans who call it Dyngus Day. Customs surrounding Śmigus-dyngus celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Poland. The tradition also exists in Hungary, called locsolkodás (sprinkling) and in Slovakia, called oblievačka (the pouring).

On Śmigus-dyngus, Polish families traditionally visit or call relatives, gifting them Paschal eggs. Mass is well attended by Christians on Śmigus-dyngus. Traditionally, boys throw water over girls on Easter Monday. This is symbolic of the "cleansing of one from sins and marking the end of Lent with a day of feasting and merrymaking". The custom may derive from a commemoration of the Baptism of Poland, when the Polish people became Christians and received baptism en masse. Additionally, certain scholars trace the custom to Jerusalem, in which water was used to disperse crowds who were gathering to discuss the resurrection of Jesus.

In some regions males gently strike females with pussy willow branches obtained from Palm Sunday church services in the previous week. This is accompanied by a number of other rituals, such as making verse declarations and holding door-to-door processions, in some regions involving boys dressed as bears or other creatures. The celebration is described in writing as early as the 15th century. It continues to be observed throughout Central Europe and also in the United States, especially among Christians of the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican traditions.