Sto lat
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"Sto lat" (One Hundred Years) is a traditional Polish song that is sung to express good wishes, good health and long life to a person. The song's author and exact origin are unattributed. The song is sung both at informal gatherings (such as birthdays or name days) or at formal events, such as weddings; it was played, for example, at the presidential inauguration of Lech Kaczyński,[1] and during visits by Pope John Paul II.[2][3] At state events it is not unusual to hear it performed by an orchestra or a military band. It is also noted for being an integral part of Polish immigrant culture even long after assimilation.
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[edit] Similar songs
The song serves the equivalent function of "Happy Birthday To You" or "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow". Although a secular song, its message is similar to that of the Ukrainian song "Mnohaya lita" (Многая літа, Many Years), derived from a Byzantine liturgical hymn.[4]
[edit] Lyrics
- Sto lat, sto lat,
- Niech żyje, żyje nam.
- Sto lat, sto lat,
- Niech żyje, żyje nam,
- Jeszcze raz, jeszcze raz, niech żyje, żyje nam,
- Niech żyje nam!
This translates roughly into English as:
- A hundred years, a hundred years,
- May he (she) live for us.
- A hundred years, a hundred years,
- May he live for us.
- Once again, once again, may he live, live for us,
- May he live for us!
Other verses exist that can be sung, but they are less common.
[edit] Use as a phrase
The phrase "Sto lat!" is also often used to wish someone longevity or good fortune, or as a toast, without the song.[5] However, the use of "Sto lat!" in this manner will often lead to the song being sung by those present. The phrase is also sometimes used to acknowledge someone's sneezing - similarly to "God bless you", though for that particular occasion a simple na zdrowie ("To your health") is more frequently used.
[edit] See also
- Ten thousand years, translation of a phrase used in many East Asian languages to wish leaders long lives
