The tradition of sprinkling on Easter Monday in Hungary
Don’t be alarmed if you spot Hungarian boys and men armed with buckets or perfume bottles chasing after girls this Easter Monday, it’s all part of a tradition known as sprinkling (locsolás). While it may look like mischief at first glance, this playful ritual has deep cultural roots and a fun poetic side.
Sprinkling women on Easter Monday
In Hungary, Easter Monday brings with it a uniquely refreshing tradition known as sprinkling (locsolás). We must note that countries like Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine have similar celebrations, but with slightly different traditions. Rooted in centuries-old customs, sprinkling involves men playfully dousing women with water or perfume in the spirit of fertility, renewal, and good health. Historically, buckets of cold well water were the method of choice, an icy surprise that symbolised cleansing and rebirth. Today, while some rural areas still preserve the original (and rather drenching) version, urban celebrations tend to favour a friendlier spritz of perfume or cologne.
Sprinkling poems
Sprinkling isn’t just a random act of mischief, it has its poetic side, too. Boys and men traditionally recite little rhyming verses before the act, often humorous or cheeky, asking for permission to “water the flowers”. The women, in return, reward them with painted eggs, sweets, or even a shot of pálinka, a strong fruit brandy that ensures the men don’t leave entirely dry. The whole ritual is a vibrant blend of flirtation, folklore, and festivity, and it’s as much a social affair as it is a seasonal one. Here is one of the most typical Hungarian sprinkling poems:
Zöld erdőben jártam,
kék ibolyát láttam.
El akart hervadni,
szabad-e locsolni?
Which translates to English as the following:
Walking in a green forest
I saw a blue violet
It was about to wither
May I sprinkle?
Other Hungarian Easter traditions
Beyond the well-known sprinkling ritual, Easter in Hungary is rich with vibrant customs that reflect the country’s deep-rooted Christian and folk heritage. The holiday begins with Palm Sunday processions and continues through Holy Week with solemn church services, culminating in joyous celebrations on Easter Sunday.
Traditional foods take centre stage at the Easter table, including smoky baked ham, hard-boiled eggs, braided kalács (a sweet, eggy bread), and plenty of horseradish. In many villages, such as Hollókő, you’ll also find locals donning folk costumes, participating in music and dance events, and decorating intricately patterned Easter eggs using wax-resist methods passed down through generations.
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