locsolóversek

Locsolóversek are traditional Hungarian Easter poems recited by men during Easter Monday to accompany the ritual of locsolás, the sprinkling of women with water or perfume. They form part of the broader Easter custom and reflect a lighthearted community ritual.

The verses are typically short rhymed couplets, delivered before the spray. They are often humorous or mildly flirtatious and draw on spring imagery such as flowers and eggs. Recipients may respond with a small gift, such as perfume or eggs, or a kiss, to avoid or soften the sprinkler.

Historically, locsolóversek date from the early modern period, with written examples appearing in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were collected in folk anthologies during the 19th and 20th centuries and remain a staple of rural and small-town Easter celebrations.

Culturally, the custom promotes social interaction and humor during a seasonal festival. It varies regionally and has persisted alongside modernization, sometimes evolving with contemporary verses and performances while preserving core elements of ritual sprinkling and rhymed verse.

Today, locsolóversek are still performed in Hungary and parts of neighboring areas. They appear in folklore collections, school programs, and cultural festivals, and continue to be a recognizable feature of Easter traditions.