Dyngus Day

The Monday after Easter is a big day for many Buffalo natives as Dyngus Day, one of the biggest Polish-American events in the city and nationwide, is celebrated. A traditional holiday marking the end of Lent in the Christian calendar, the day is a chance to let loose after over 40 days of observing solemn purity.

Much like the pre-Lenten festival Mardi Gras, Dyngus Day is synonymous with a good time. With Buffalo's huge Polish population and knack for partying, the Queen City annually celebrates the holiday to regal proportions.

Although a large event locally, many outside the area are not familiar with the background of the Polish holiday.

"I've heard of Dyngus Day, but I really have no idea what it's about," said Eric Loonan, a junior communication major.

"I don't know what it is at all," said Jennifer Dell, a senior computer science and math major.

As part of the Dyngus Day tradition, boys in Poland sprinkle water on girls that they have interest in and tap them in the legs with pussy willow branches. Although there are different beliefs on how the custom started, rinsing something (or someone) with water is generally considered symbolic for the revitalization and new beginnings associated with spring.

After the boys are done playing pranks on the girls, the ladies retaliate with the same sort of water soaking and branch whacking antics.

Cameron Wald, a senior biological sciences major, said that he remembers Dyngus Day from nursery school.

"Everyone was given a pussy willow branch and allowed to chase each other around with it," he said. "I never really knew what it was about until I got older and learned about what Dyngus Day actually was."

According to the Web site dyngusdaybuffalo.com, the history of using a pussy willow branch to tap a love interest is adapted from the symbolism of the willow tree. The willow is the first tree to bud after a long cold winter.

The pussy willow got its name from a legend that many springs ago kittens were out chasing butterflies and fell into a raging river. Their mother sat on the rivers edge and wept, pleading for her drowning kittens; the willows heard her and lowered their long branches into the water where the kittens grabbed on to them and were delivered safely back to their mother on the shore.

Allegedly, every spring from then on, the willows sprouted fu-like buds where the kittens once clung on for safety.

In modern Buffalo, stories of kittens have been traded for feasts of kielbasa and beer, all to the tune of classic polkas. Last year there were about 15 venues celebrating the holiday in the city; this year over 20 venues took part - most had live music, polish buffets, dancing and a few exchanges of water throwing and pussy willow tapping.

Marty Biniasz, director of marketing for a Buffalo based hospitality and entertainment company
said, "I have traveled all over and have gone to a lot of other Dyngus Day parties. Buffalo's celebration is really the most unique because of its combinations of popular culture, religion and ethnic pride all mixed together."

"I have been out for the Dyngus Day parties for the last few years, it's a blast and I will definitely be out again this year," Tim Butler, a senior business major said last week. "Just like on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish, everyone is Polish on Dyngus Day."