Assembly Resolution No. 296

BY: M. of A. Wallace

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 10, 2023, as Dyngus Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
proclaim April 10, 2023, as Dyngus Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, A Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end
of the observance of Lent and the joy of Easter; over the decades,
Dyngus Day has become a holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture,
heritage, and traditions; and

WHEREAS, Since 966 A.D., Dyngus Day has been associated with the
baptism of Prince Mieszko I; tradition states that Prince Mieszko I,
along with his court, were baptized on Easter Monday; and

WHEREAS, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have
become a folk celebration which gives thanks for the fact that the first
king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to
Poland; and

WHEREAS, In more modern times, the tradition continued when farm
boys in Poland wanted to attract notice from the girls of their choice;
it was customary to throw water and hit the girls on their legs with
twigs or pussy willows; and

WHEREAS, The more gallant lads would use cologne instead of water,
and the ladies would reciprocate by throwing dishes & crockery, with
Tuesday being their day of revenge, imitating the same tactics; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo, New York is officially the Dyngus Day capital of
America, hosting the largest concentration of festival locations, polka
bands and Polish traditions in the nation; and

WHEREAS, In the celebrations in Buffalo, tradition holds true that
on Easter Monday, boys sprinkle the girls with water and tap them with
pussy willows; on Easter Tuesday, the women would return the favor; at
modern Dyngus Day parties, it is common practice that both men and women
trade water and pussy willow taps equally; and

WHEREAS, The Annual Dyngus Day Parade in Buffalo's Historic Polonia
District is a demonstration in civic and ethnic pride; this parade
gathers people together with a sense of camaraderie and joy mixed with
nostalgia and hope; and

WHEREAS, The Dyngus Day Parade consists of floats resembling
medieval ships, fire trucks with sirens blazing and hoses squirting,

polka bands blaring, and families sharing memories and laughter as they
stroll through the neighborhood tossing candy and beads to the families
gathered on the curbs; and

WHEREAS, This year's 17th Annual Dyngus Day Parade in Buffalo, New
York, takes place on Monday, April 10th, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The City of Buffalo and its suburbs are home to the
greatest concentration of Polish-Americans in the nation, showcasing the
rich cultural heritage and pride that is synonymous with the identity of
America and New York at large; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 10, 2023, as Dyngus
Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York.