Dzień dobry,
I know that Easter is over now, but Śmigus-Dyngus is older than Easter in Poland. It used to be a part of pagan tradition (turned into Christian after 11th century), or more accurately they used to be, because they were two different festivals: Śmigus and Dyngus. The first one was a part of Spring Festival. Traditionally boys and man were pouring water on unmarried girls and women. The symbol of new life - water was a guarantee of getting married the same year and for sure was a reassurance for the girls that they are the attractive ones. No wonder that some women jumped into the rivers asked politely to do so and some even on purpose poured some water on themselves :-). When pouring water men were also whipping girls' legs with willow branches - another symbol of youth and fertility. This part of Śmigus didn't survive and is now forgotten - I wonder why ;-).
Dyngus on the other hand was celebrated later in spring and its main idea was to give each other little gifts. The only thing left of it is the name. It's not we don't like giving presents - I think we just don't like the idea of thinking what I can give each person next year for the excellent gifts I received this year :-).
See you in class,
Ola
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