Od Grzegorza zima idzie do morza
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What it means
“From Saint Gregory’s Day, winter heads to the sea.” Saint Gregory’s feast is 12 March, traditionally seen as the turning point when winter begins its retreat. A hopeful spring-is-coming proverb.
Vocabulary
- Grzegorz — Gregory (saint's name)
- zima — winter
- iść — to go, to head
- morze — sea
Grammar note
'Od Grzegorza' uses the genitive after 'od' (from). 'Do morza' uses the genitive after 'do' (to/towards).
Cultural context
Saint Gregory's Day (12 March) is one of several saints' days in the Polish folk calendar that mark seasonal transitions. The image of winter 'going to the sea' suggests it is leaving for good.
Beginner
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