Young Slovaks dressed in traditional costumes throw a bucket of water at a girl as part of Easter celebrations in the village of Trencianska Tepla, 145 km north of Bratislava on April 9. Slovakia's men splash women with water and hit them with a willow to symbolize youth, strength and beauty for the upcoming spring season.

A Slovak youth dressed in traditional costume throws a bucket of water at a girl as part of Easter celebrations in the village of Trencianska Tepla, 145 km (90 miles) north of Bratislava April 9. Girls are doused with water and whipped in a custom believed to ensure a woman's fertility and beauty.

Slovak youths dressed in traditional costumes throw a girl into a creek as part of Easter celebrations in the village of Trencianska Tepla, 145 km (90 miles) north of Bratislava April 9. Girls are doused with water and whipped in a custom believed to ensure a woman's fertility and beauty.

A Slovak youth dressed in traditional costume throws a bucket of water at a woman on a bicycle as part of Easter celebrations in the village of Trencianska Tepla, 145 km (90 miles) north of Bratislava April 9. Girls are doused with water and whipped in a custom believed to ensure a woman's fertility and beauty.