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  What it means

  “Saint Catherine with laughter, Saint Andrew with sin.” Catherine’s feast (25 November) is still a time for merriment, but by Andrew’s Day (30 November) Advent has fully begun and revelry becomes sinful.

  Vocabulary

  • święta — saint (feminine)
  • śmiech — laughter
  • święty — saint (masculine)
  • Andrzej — Andrew
  • grzech — sin

  Grammar note

  'Śmiechem' and 'grzechem' are instrumental case forms, indicating manner or accompaniment.

  Cultural context

  The proverb marks the transition from the last days of pre-Advent festivity (Catherine, 25 November) to the penitential Advent season (Andrew, 30 November).

  Intermediate

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