Zofia Stryjeńska. Smigus-dyngus
Where does the tradition of ‘śmigus-dyngus’ come from?
The custom of splashing water on one another on Easter Monday is a delightful illustration of how ancient Slavic pagan practices have beautifully merged with the Christian faith that the Slavic people adopted.
Today, the tradition known as ‘śmigus-dyngus’ (or Dyngus Day) is strongly associated with Easter in Poland, but its roots stretch back to pre-Christian times. The ancient Slavs celebrated 'oblewiny’ (the watering ceremony) during the spring solstice, a time linked to themes of rebirth, purification, and the emergence of new life. Alongside ’oblewiny’, there existed a practice called ‘śmigus’, which involved the playful whipping of one another with young willow branches, an act believed to promote cleansing and stimulate circulation. This custom was particularly popular among young bachelors in northern Poland, who would engage in this playful pursuit as a way to attract potential partners.
The ‘dyngus’ aspect of the Easter Monday celebrations also has its roots in pre-Christian traditions but has become intricately woven into the fabric of Easter celebrations, the most significant Christian holiday. Historically, Easter Sunday was marked by solemn church liturgies, during which the baptisms of new Church members were performed – an act fundamentally cantered around the ritual of water. As the practice of baptizing infants grew more common, the tradition of conducting baptisms on Easter Sunday faded, evolving into the renewal of baptismal vows accompanied by the sprinkling of water.
It’s no wonder that the tradition of young men splashing water on young women during this time has become so endearing. In her book ‘Rok polski’ (The Polish Year), penned in exile in England in 1955, Zofia Kossak vividly describes how, even before the first roosters crowed on Easter Monday, the village was alive with the joyful screams of girls being splashed with water – often while still in bed or out in the yard. Kossak notes that every girl desired to be splashed, as it symbolized the boys’ affection for her and foretold of her impending marriage. Conversely, a girl who remained dry might feel ashamed, as it implied she would struggle to find a husband.
Interestingly, young women could buy their way out of being splashed by offering treats like Easter eggs, cold cuts, or cakes – a gesture eagerly accepted by perpetually hungry bachelors. This playful exchange may have contributed to the term ‘dyngus’, which is thought to derive from the German word ‘dingen’, meaning to buy oneself out. While ‘śmigus-dyngus’ is rooted in Slavic customs, its name in Poland, or at least its latter part, is attributed to German settlers.
The earliest mention of the ‘śmigus-dyngus’ custom can be traced back to the 15th century, when the Catholic Church issued a ban on this so-called despicable practice. Three centuries later, priest Jędrzej Kitowicz, a historian and diarist, remarked in his work ‘Opis obyczajów i zwyczajów za panowania Augusta III’ (Description of Customs and Traditions during the Reign of Augustus III) that ‘śmigus-dyngus’ was considered ‘mischief’ and was widely practiced among both common folk and the nobility. While the latter group might not splash water, they would often sprinkle their ladies with perfume instead.
From the foundation of ‘śmigus-dyngus’, various local traditions have emerged across Poland, emphasizing the symbolism of water, the act of pouring water over one another, and two key rituals – visiting without invitation and collecting donations.
In southern Poland, particularly in Wilamowice in the Bielsko-Biała district and Brzeszcze in the Oświęcim district, a custom called ‘śmiergust’ involves costumed men (śmierguśnicy) splashing water on girls in the marketplace or chasing them through the streets, sometimes even visiting their homes to deliver a ‘wet surprise’. A unique variant of this custom called ‘dziady śmigustne’ is found in the Limanowa area of southern Lesser Poland, where boys don straw costumes and masks, brandishing sticks as they herd girls into rivers to splash them.
In Kujawy and Pałuki, a region of Great Poland, a lively courtship ritual unfolds on Easter Eve. The event begins with a rhythmic banging on a metal basin, drawing bachelor’s to town squares where they recite ‘przywołówki’ (playful rhymes) about the girls they know, declaring how enthusiastically they will splash water on them.
The night leading to Easter Monday is filled not just with traditional ‘przywołówki’ but also with mischief. Unfortunately, this naughtiness can sometimes cross the line into hooliganism, involving antics like painting windows or deflating tires. This mischievous night, known as Devil’s Night, is observed in central Poland, Greater Poland, and Silesia, targeting girls who have recently declined date invitations. Disappointed boys often resort to tossing rags at the front doors of those who rejected them.
Another older custom called ’kurki dyngusowe’ is still celebrated through reenactment. Here, the rooster symbolizes masculinity and fertility. Initially, a live rooster was used, but over time, it evolved into a clay or wooden figure. Male groups would traverse the village with the rooster on a cart, demanding entry into the homes of single women. Those who welcomed this visit faced additional playful demands, often under the threat of being pricked with a special skewer, compelling them to offer the boys some tasty ransom.
Thus, Easter Monday can be quite a wet affair, and the rain is not the cause. In Sandomierz and its surroundings, locals humorously attribute the festivities to a certain Saint Lejek, believed to be the patron saint of that day.
Karolina Prewęcka
Source: DlaPolonii.pl
