[Just Susan]

I see that tonight you are celebrating Dyngus Day in the Town Squares. I didn't know what that was so I looked it up. Sounds like fun wish we could be there. :beer2: wav 040 :chillout: :2cool: :hot:

WHAT IS DYNGUS DAY?

Historically a Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of lent and the joy of Easter. Over the decades, Dyngus Day has become a wonderful holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture, heritage and traditions.

HOW DID IT START?

There are many stories that attempt to explain the origins of the day. Many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian practices of our Slavic ancestors. The custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of cleansing, purification, and fertility. The same is true of the complimentary practice of switching with pussy willow branches. Since 966 A.D., Dyngus Day has been associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko I. Tradition states that Prince Mieszko I along with his court were baptized on Easter Monday. Thus, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have become a folk celebration in thanksgiving for the fact that the first king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to Poland. In more modern times, the tradition continued when farm boys in Poland wanted to attract notice from the girls of their choice. It was custom to throw water and hit the girls on their legs with twigs or pussywillows. Cologne was used instead of water by the more gallant lads. The ladies would reciprocate by throwing dishes & crockery and Tuesday was their day of revenge, imitating the same tactics.

WHAT DOES THE WORD DYNGUS MEAN?

According to the Encyclopedia Staropolska written in the 19th century by A. Gloger, the word can be traced back to a medieval form of the word “Dingnus,” which means “worthy, proper, or suitable.” Gloger cites a used of the word, namely “ranson during a war to protect against pillage,” as well as a German usage of “Dingen,” which means “to come to an agreement, evaluate or buy back.”

HOW TO CELEBRATE DYNGUS DAY?

As the popular polka anthem explains, “Everybody’s Polish On Dyngus Day!” Many parties begin during the mid-morning on the Monday after Easter with a large buffet of traditional Easter foods (kielbasa, ham, fresh breads, eggs). It is common to hear polka music on Dyngus Day with the mandatory dancing of at least one polka. Many parties continue well into daylight on Tuesday. (A tip to the first time Dyngus participant….take Tuesday off from work.)

PUSSYWILLOWS OR WATER?

This is a yearly debate among Dyngus Day revelers. The tradition holds true that on Easter Monday boys would sprinkle the girls with water and tap them with pussywillows. On Easter Tuesday, the women would return the favorite. At modern Dyngus Day parties it is common practice that both men and women trade water and pussywillow equally.

A POLISH MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL?

Love is all around on Dyngus Day! Many a couple have been brought together and have found true love by the flirtatious trading of water and pussywillows (aided by a little pivo). If you are single, don’t be surprised if Dyngus Day traditions bring you closer to a member of the opposite sex.

Have a good time.

[RCT]

Wow, dodging dishes, crockery, sound like the females got the better deal in this tradition. i'd rather get hit with water or a pussy willow, than a soup crock!!

This name always reminds me of the 1970 Frank Sinatra movie Dirty Dingus Magee http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065642/.

On the topic of dirty characters-- rumor has it that Frank Sinatra was set to play Dirty Harry instead of Clint Eastwood but for some reason I cannot see Frank Sinatra uttering the line-- "Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?"

What is a Dingus?

[Sidney Lanier]

Thank you. Always wondered what Dyngus Day was all about. (Yeah, right....)

'-)

[nONIE]

Sidney,

Wonder no more! LOL

Hey Susan I appreciated all your work to shine the light on Dyngus Day. That is something new I learned today. I think Sidney and Nonie were just teasing you, huh. Just for that let's make a pact to be at LSL next Dyngus Day and celebrate to our hearts content!

[nONIE]

Yes Johnny, I was just teasin, actually I am of polish decent and found it quite interesting, especially since I had never heard of it! ;D

okay then, next Dyngus day mark you calendars and lets have at it!

[Just Susan]

Thanks Johnny. Tom and I will be happy to dance a polka or two with you and Barbara. ;D

[The Great Fumar]

Actually , They are referring to Clarence Dyngus ,
He lives in the village of polo ridge and is the designer of the ROUND-A-BOUTS...........
PS He may be under an assumed name...... ;D ;D ;D

fumar

[Just Susan]

Hmmm..how many times does a person have to go round, the round about before they meet their true love??? ...and if you make a right hand turn from the inside lane does someone hit you with a pussy willow or do they throw water on you??? ...and where do they hit and or throw water on you and does it affect the person riding with you if they are married???? :dontknow: :dontknow: :dontknow:

Fumar could you ask "Clarence" for us?