proverb · Words worth keeping
The saint’s-day over, farewell the saint.
The saint’s-day over, farewell the saint.
In print by 1857 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Appreciation may disappear once the occasion or benefit has passed. Consider whether thanks reflects continuing regard or only a temporary need for someone’s help.
What the words are saying
The saint is honoured during the festival and forgotten when the celebration ends. The image questions attention that lasts only while it serves an immediate purpose. In an ordinary relationship, someone may receive enthusiastic praise while their help is needed and no acknowledgement afterwards. The proverb invites more consistent gratitude and a recognition of the person beyond the occasion. It does not establish how every religious festival is observed or require permanent celebration. The practical concern is whether a contribution or relationship is being treated merely as a convenience that can be discarded once its use ends.
Everyday example
After an event, organisers thank the people who prepared it and continue recognising their work rather than reserving praise for the public celebration.
When to use it
Use it to consider gratitude after an immediate benefit has ended.
What it does not mean
A change in attention is not always ingratitude. People may have legitimate limits on time and continuing commitments.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1857 AD · industrial
In print by 1857: recorded in A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857) (1857 AD)
Printed page 29; French section, paragraph 564; source wording: La fête passée, adieu le saint.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.