Dyngus Day, Wet Monday: An Excuse to Eat, Drink and Be Polish

Today is Dyngus Day, also known as Wet Monday, and Easter Monday. . No, get your head out of the gutter, I’m not talking about THAT kind of dingus. Although, when you read about it, you may want to call it something else altogether, like Dip Stick Idiot Day or Boys Will Be Boys Day or Throw that Water on Me and I’ll Slap You Silly Day.

Dyngus Day is traditionally celebrated in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic to mark the end of Lent. . In a freakishly weird start to the day, boys typically pour a bucket of water on a girls’ heads and then continue to strike them on the legs with willow branches – all in the name of good Dyngus Day fun.

And this is considered good fun? Actually, yes. The Slavic tradition has pretty much done away with the willow branch swattings, and today, it is just an excuse to throw water on each other, drink beer and vodka while eating kielbasa, pierogies and kraut till you puke.

In the good old U.S.of A., it is mainly celebrated in communities with large Polish populations, such as Buffalo, N.Y. and Chicago. Two of the largest celebrations in the country are being thrown as I type this. So, if you are of Polish descent, head on down to your local Dyngus Day celebration, and if you’re not, I’m sure they will take you as an honorary Pole, for the day.

Ladies, don’t wear a white tee shirt….Just sayin’.