Wet Monday , or Åšmigus-Dyngus , is a beloved Polish tradition celebrated on Easter Monday . The holiday is best known for its joyful and sometimes chaotic water fights , where people splash one another with water as a symbol of renewal , purification , and fun . Whether it’s with water guns , buckets , or even sneaky spritzes , Wet Monday transforms towns and neighborhoods into playful battlegrounds — especially among children and teenagers . But this custom has deeper roots than you might expect. 🌿 The Pagan Roots and Christian Fusion of Åšmigus-Dyngus The term Åšmigus-Dyngus combines two ancient customs: Åšmigus : Symbolic whipping with willow twigs , representing the cleansing of the body and spirit. Dyngus : The act of visiting homes to ask for treats or eggs , which echoes old Easter traditions . These rituals date back to pre-Christian Slavic culture , where spring rites focused on fertility and blessings from nature. When Christianity arrived in Poland, these ...