It’s called Smingus Dyngus, and it’s the Monday after Easter Sunday. This year, it’s Monday, April 10th.
According to historical accounts, the origin of the Dyngus Day can be traced back to the 10th century when Mieszko I of Poland conducted mass baptisms all over the country. The aim was to convert the dominantly pagan people into Christians. But before this happened, Dyngus and Smingus are two separate religious festivals that honor two different pagan gods. Dyngus was a God that represented water while Smingus was a God that represented thunder. Polish immigrants brought the tradition into the USA as far back as the 19th century. Nowadays, the holiday is celebrated in various cities across the U.S.
Formerly, the post-Easter festivities involved a week of secular celebration, but this was reduced to one day in the19th century. Events include egg rolling competitions and, in predominantly Catholic countries, dousing other people with water which, at one time, had been holy water which had been blessed the day before at Easter Sunday Mass and carried home to bless the house and food.
Recently (last century) made popular in Buffalo NY, our Miata Club tradition is still evolving. But it includes at a minimum, dinner out at Cajun Steamers in Franklin in the Cool Springs area. Wait. What? A Polish celebration at a Cajun restaurant? I know, I know. It’s a long story. But, anyway, we promise… the only thing we’ll be sprinkling will be some spirits into glasses to toast good friends, good food, and good roads! More about the Cajuns later.
A Club tradition as peculiar as the holiday
Though not largely observed in the United States, the day remains informally observed in some areas such as the state of North Carolina the state of North Dakota and the city of Buffalo, New York. Traditionally Polish areas of the country such as South Bend, Indiana and Chicago observe Dingus Day as well. Dyngus Day is a holiday, along with Good Friday, in most of Canada (and many other Commonwealth countries). Along with Good Friday, Easter Monday (aka, Dyngus Day) is a Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom (except Scotland), making a four-day weekend.
So, back to the Cajuns. The truth be known, a few years ago, a few of us were just out for dinner at one of our favorite Cajun restaurants, reminiscing about the sights, sounds and tastes of New Orleans. Someone mentioned that it was Dyngus Day — more well-known in the North. We decided that it was as good an excuse as any to get together for good times and great food with friends. And ever since then, Dyngus Day is Cajun food day for us!
So come join us on Monday, April 10 at 6:00pm at the Cajun Steamers, 1175 Meridian Blvd Ste 108, Franklin, TN 37067. If you are planning on joining us, please let Phil Matisak know by April 6th so he can ensure we have adequate reservations. We have the upper dining room/ balcony reserved. Email Phil pjmatisak@comcast.net for any other questions, as well.
Oh….and our tradition is to decorate our hats and headwear, enjoy a little Dyngus Day trivia, and have some of our Club’s best orators raise their glasses for a favorite or newly conjured toast in honor of the special day. So, bring your best trivia question to try to stump our Polish heritage members, and write and practice your toast. There may be prizes! There’s always prizes!
Ultimately, let’s wash away the memories of a long, hard COVID winter. Let’s celebrate Spring. Dang, Let’s eat!