Monday, April 13, 2020

One shot of Polish vodka, one shot of Polish Bison Grass vodka, one shot of Krupnik (or Krupnikas in Lithuanian–this bottle of honey-spiced liqueur was made in Durham, NC).  And as Poles know, shots should be followed by a chaser of meat!

Easter Monday in Poland is known as Śmigus-Dyngus or Wet Monday.  The Polish-American community refers to it as Dyngus Day.  In honor of the day, and in honor of my parents and grandparents, today I have selected three of the most-loved Polish libations.

Śmigus-Dyngus likely began back in 14th century as a form of courtship.  Boys of the village would drench the single girls with buckets of water and smack their legs with pussy willow branches.  Others say that Śmigus-Dyngus is a more pagan rite of spring, a washing away of dirt and disease.  I have also heard that Śmigus-Dyngus is a form of baptism, a cleansing from sin and a renewal of life.

In modern Poland, the day is an excuse for a national water fight.  Passers-by may be apprehended with water from squirt-guns, water balloons, and garden hoses.  When I was growing up, my parents would sneak up on each other with squirt bottles and even perfume atomizers.

On this Dyngus Day, I wish to (virtually) sprinkle all of you with healing waters that wash away viruses.  NA ZDROWIE!