What is Watering Monday?

When I first heard about "Watered Monday", I thought it was something like a joke – saying, another reason to pour water like Ivan Kupala in the summer. But as soon as I delved into the history of this strange, cheerful and slightly messy custom, I realized: behind it is much more than just entertainment.

Watering Monday – is the Monday after Easter, the first day after the Bright Resurrection of Christ, which is also called "flooded", "watery", "simple Monday" or "delicious Monday" (especially in the Hutsul region). On this day, according to an ancient tradition, boys pour water on girls, and sometimes vice versa. But not everything is so simple –, this custom has its roots even in pre-Christian times.

In the ancient Slavs, water has always had a special power – it was considered alive, able to cleanse from all evil, restore energy and bring happiness. Watering – is a symbol of spring renewal, purification and, of course, youthful courtship.

On Watering Monday, boys traditionally went to girls' homes to "pour" them –, which was a kind of sign of attention. A girl who was not doused could consider it an unfortunate omen: they say, no one paid attention to her, did not court her. But if it was poured –, then I like it. Sometimes boys not only poured the girls over, but also "stole" them from the house, carrying them in their arms to a river or well. Anyone who did not want to "get caught" had to sit at home or run as far as possible!

By the way, in some regions, girls were able to "retaliate" on Tuesday – by pouring back on boys. This made the tradition even more interesting, because it turned into a whole water marathon.

After Easter, when the world celebrates the victory of life over death, light over darkness, water acts as a symbol of purification and a new beginning. Yes, Watering Monday combines pagan ideas about the life-giving power of nature and Christian revival.

In the Christian interpretation, water – is also a symbol of baptism. That is, dousing becomes an act of renewal, a symbolic "second birth". And although modern versions of the holiday are more like a fun flash mob with plastic bottles and water guns, its deep meaning has been preserved.

It is interesting that Watered Monday is especially popular in the west of Ukraine – in Galicia, Volyn, Transcarpathia and Bukovina. There it is a real rite with songs, jokes, treats and symbolic gifts. For example, boys can get eggs or paska as a thank you after pouring. And even in ancient times there was a tradition of "redemption": if a girl did not want to be doused, she had to pay the ransom – with something tasty or even a kiss.

Today, Watering Monday – is, first of all, a fun tradition, especially in Lviv or Ternopil, where real "water battles" are held on the squares. Someone sees this as a mess and a violation of the rules, but I look at it as a modern continuation of an ancient idea: to celebrate spring, life, youth and a sense of unity.

After all, when you stand wet to the thread in the middle of the square, laugh like a child and see happy people around you – you realize that traditions don't have to be strict. The main thing is – is that they unite and leave warmth in the heart.

So if someone calls you next year on Watering Monday – don't be scared. Perhaps this is exactly the case when you can go beyond the everyday, feel like a part of a great living rite and just have fun.