[flickr id=”7084174865″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”] We bring out the pussy willows.
They don’t understand.
An ancient tradition to be sure, but it always brings a second glance. Begs explanation.
We bring forth the water (and water guns). We drink, we splash, we laugh.
They still don’t understand.
We drink Bloody Mary’s and eat Platzek for breakfast. Kielbasa for lunch. Galumpki’s for dinner (with copious amounts of beer, of course).
They still don’t understand – but they sure don’t care anymore.
We dance the polka from morning til night.
We observe the grandest Dyngus Day in years. Without the bitter temps to try to douse our fun – the city is more alive than ever.
The Buffalo Polish – we know how to party.
*~*~*~*
I’m back in the Trifecta Writing Challenge . Where we are supposed to submit a piece of writing between 33 and 333 words using the third definition of the chosen word. The word this week was “observe”. Considering Dyngus Day just happened last week (and I had to miss it) I thought I would celebrate by-proxy.
ob·serve verb \əb-ˈzərv\
1: to conform one’s action or practice to (as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with
2: to inspect or take note of as an augury, omen, or presage
3: to celebrate or solemnize (as a ceremony or festival) in a customary or accepted way
Well done – a slice of life that perfectly fits the challenge.
*heads off to look up more on Dyngus Day*
@El Guapo,
Thanks. I usually prefer to delve into my creativity and go w/ fiction for prompts like this – but as soon as I saw the word and the selected definition I thought of Dyngus Day (after it all, it was just a week ago). 😀
I saw Anderson Cooper do a story on this. Now here’s Dyngus as your response to the prompt. I think Dyngus-hood is sweeping the nation (and that’s a good thing).
@The Gal Herself,
LOL. Really? Anderson Cooper did a story on it? Ah, growing up in Buffalo I lived it. Dyngus Day is a marvelous Buffalo Polish tradition 😀 😉
That’s a party I’d like to join!
@Tara R.,
😀 Thanks, Tara! Buffalo is the proud capital of Dyngus Day. I miss it being something considered ‘normal’. Around these parts I get odd looks when I wish people a Happy Dyngus Day 😀
poor Anderson Cooper – he didn’t so much do a story on Dyngus Day as lose control in a fit of giggles.
Your take on it is much nicer.
@barbara,
LOL. Of course he would. not many people can say “Dyngus Day” and mean it with a straight face.
Thank you. I’m glad my take on it is nicer than that 😀
I am not Polish, but I think I’ll observe Dyngus Day just so I can say it…Fun post!
Loved this – I am familiar with Dyngus Day but, sadly, have ever observed it.
Ha! My husband is Polish and from Buffalo. I’ll have to ask him about this day. Fun piece.
Eat, drink, celebrate! It’s what brings us ALL together.
Thanks for posting this reminder 🙂
I loved how the people who didn’t understand were clearly too drunk to care by the middle of the passage. Somehow, this is the first year I’ve heard of Dyngus day. I am enthralled by a post-lenten equivalent to Marti-Gras, and I’m not even Christian!!
Looks like a fun day. I think I like this Dyngus Day – just do not make me cook and clean up. 🙂
I’ve never heard of that before, but it sounds like fun! Too bad you had to miss it.
Thanks for linking up again. I think the beauty of the responses that we read is the diversity that they throw up Some stick religiously to fiction, others mix it up and give us a bit of fiction and non-fiction. I actually love it when we get a little glimpse into people’s day-to-day lives. Although I go to Poland every summer, I hadn’t heard of Dyngus Day — but I’m just off to google it. This is a lovely piece. Hope you can join us for the weekend challenge too.