Mumps-Dyngus: The Tradition of Easter Eggplanting

Mumps-Dyngus, also known as Lazy Monday, falls on the second day of Easter, or Easter Monday. It is a day full of joy and fun, during which, according to tradition, people pour water on each other.

The roots of Śmigus-Dyngus date back to pre-Christian times, when water symbolized purification and renewal. It was a ritual associated with the arrival of spring and fertility. In the Middle Ages, the custom was adapted by Christianity and became part of Easter celebrations. Midsummer and Dyngus were originally two separate customs - Midsummer consisted of symbolic smacking with twigs, while Dyngus involved buying off each other with Easter eggs and gifts. Over time, the two customs merged, creating the well-known form of dousing with water that we know today.

Being doused with water symbolizes purification and rebirth. In the past, it was believed that girls who were doused with water were more likely to marry quickly. In addition, water had the magical power to ensure health and fertility in the fields.

Where in Poland is tradition most cultivated?

The most famous celebrations of Śmigus-Dyngus take place in the town of Wilamowice in Malopolskie Voivodeship. It is there that a unique tradition called “wodzenie Judosza” has been preserved, during which residents burn a straw effigy symbolizing the traitor Judas, and then have fun dousing passersby with water.

In the countryside, the tradition of Śmigus-Dyngus is more lively and is often communal in nature. Boys organize group dousings of girls, and in some places the custom of going around houses and pouring water on residents also persists.

In cities, the custom has taken a somewhat milder form, and is more often limited to symbolic spraying with water or the use of small pizzas. Some cities have banned dousing with water in public places due to fears of abuse and potential disorder. Nevertheless, in many places, especially among young people, the tradition still arouses great interest and is sometimes celebrated in a more spontaneous manner.

Is the custom known outside of Poland?

The tradition of Śmigus-Dyngus is mainly found in Poland, but traces of it can also be found in some regions of Central and Eastern Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

In countries with large Polish communities, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, Poles cultivate this tradition as part of their Easter celebrations. For the Spanish Polish community, Easter celebrated in the warm Spanish climate is all the more conducive to water fun.