Obraz wiejskiego życia codziennego i prac polowych w dawnych wiekach – na podstawie przysłów zawierających imię świętej kobiety (św. Zofii, św. Małgorzaty Antiocheńskiej, św. Barbary, św. Agaty)

This paper presents the results of an analysis of proverbs concerning everyday life of former villagers. The analysed sayings contain in their structure the names of selected saints of the Catholic Church: St Sophia, St Margaret of Antioch, St Barbara, and St Agatha. The research material, consisting of proverbs that originated and functioned in general and dialect Polish, was drawn from five collections published between 1889 and 200133. The analysis draws on the idea of linguistic worldview, which made it possible to reconstruct various images of portions of reality associated with each of the saints. These depictions are linked to the days on which the saints were worshipped, which regulated the work and gave rhythm to the life of peasants (each saint is connected to specific farm work).