Fun With Water on Easter Monday

Photo Source: mammal on flikr

Most of the traditions I associate with Easter stem from my Polish heritage.  As I've gotten older, so has the desire to learn more about the culture and history that is a part of me - and share that with my children.  

Today I'm sharing with you a fun Polish tradition/lesser known holiday (in some parts of the world) that occurs the Monday after Easter: Dyngus Day

"Historically a Polish and Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of lent and the joy of Easter. 

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. 

Tradition states that Prince Mieszko I along with his court was 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 pussy willows. 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" - PolishPlate.com

Nowadays -  the holiday is more of a day long water fight, with no rules as to who throws sprinkles water on who.  I'm guessing throwing (and I'm assuming breaking) "dishes and crockery" could get expensive, and would probably hurt if you were on the receiving end.

Getting some water toys this weekend and hoping for warm weather on Monday so that we can participate!

Have any of you ever participated in Dyngus Day activities?  What Easter traditions stem from your heritage?