Locsolkodás

Locsolkodás is a Hungarian Easter Monday tradition in which men visit homes to sprinkle women with water or perfume while reciting short verses, known as locsolóversek. The practice is rooted in rural spring rituals and the Christian Easter calendar, and it is understood as a symbolic act of cleansing, renewal, and good fortune for the coming year. Today it remains a widely observed cultural custom in Hungary and among Hungarian communities in neighboring regions and beyond.

During the visit, the male participants, called locsolók, may wear festive or traditional clothing and carry a container of water or fragrance. They recite improvised or traditional rhymes and perform the sprinkling as a playful social ritual. In many households, the sprayer receives a small token in return, most commonly a red egg or other sweets or money, interpreted as a lighthearted reward and a sign of hospitality and good humor.

Regional variations exist in the exact verses, the method of sprinkling, and the gifts exchanged, as well as in how strictly the custom is practiced. In urban settings, locsolkodás is often integrated with family or community events, while in rural areas it may retain more traditional forms. The practice has also been preserved among Hungarian communities outside Hungary, including in parts of Transylvania, Slovakia, and Vojvodina.

Today, locsolkodás is recognized as part of Hungary’s cultural heritage, though contemporary discussions emphasize consent and personal comfort, and variations reflect local customs and modern social norms.