Święty Andrzej grzechem, święta Katarzyna śmiechem
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What it means
“Saint Andrew with sin, Saint Catherine with laughter.” A folk saying contrasting the solemn, penitential mood of Saint Andrew’s Day with the merry celebrations of Saint Catherine’s Day (25 November).
Vocabulary
- grzech — sin
- śmiech — laughter
- Katarzyna — Catherine
Grammar note
An elliptical construction — the verb is omitted. 'Grzechem' and 'śmiechem' are instrumental case forms, implying 'is associated with'.
Cultural context
Saint Catherine's Day (25 November) was traditionally a day of dancing and merrymaking, while Andrzejki carried a more mystical, introspective tone.
Intermediate
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