It was attributed to a saint who speaks of a pair of animals and their aquatic activites. One religion uses it as a verbal talisman, whilst a European country uses it as a facetious phrase. What is it, who was the saint, and where specifically can one find an example of it in the bible?

queproblema

Are the animals, their aquatic activities, and the saint in the Bible, or is another example? Mar 25 07, 2:20 AM

peasypod

As a RULE, no. Mar 25 07, 3:54 AM

peasypod

(That was the giveaway clue, qp) No, the animals, nor the activities are in the bible, just the said 'phrase' that is the answer to the question. It is attributed to the dude with all the splish-splashin'. Mar 25 07, 3:58 AM

tragic_flawed

Solomon Mar 25 07, 2:08 PM

peasypod

Solomon?? The answer is a phrase, a Latin one at that. Mar 25 07, 3:33 PM

toughynutter

Let try this but can't find referrance for splish-splashing dude. Hocus-Pocus, "The origins of the term remain obscure. Some believe it originates from a parody of the Roman Catholic eucharist, after speculation in 1694 by the English prelate John Tillotson: In all probability those common juggling words of hocus pocus are nothing else but a corruption of hoc est corpus, by way of ridiculous imitation of the priests of the Church of Rome in their trick of Transubstantiation. ... Another phrase from the Bible, possibly misunderstood by Romans who thought of Christians as an incestuous, cannibalistic cult (as described by Tacitus), might be from the holy ritual: hoc est poculum ("this is the cup"), a phrase from the Last Supper, used in Roman Catholic rituals" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocus_Pocus_%28magic%29 using a Protestant definition of Saint (a holey person) Tillostin would fit but I did not find an referrance to "speaks of a pair of animals and their aquatic activity" Mar 25 07, 4:24 PM

peasypod

Nice try but no, I did the 'Hocus Pocus' theme last week with 'Abracadabra', remember? Now, to specify, the 'splish-splash dude' isn't splish-splashing himself, but his animals are---the one which goes nicely roasted with mint, and the other just really isn't chummy with mice.... The RULE clue applies to who the dude is. As for the facetious phrase, look to the French. Now, that should be just about it on a platter. Mar 25 07, 5:11 PM

tragic_flawed

Ochus Bochus Mar 26 07, 4:28 PM

peasypod

Um......no. Mar 26 07, 5:34 PM

gmackematix

I'll admit that I had never heard of St Benedict's pontifications on lambs and elephants before, so I needed it on a plate with mint sauce. I am currently struggling to think what "Ora et labora" sounds like in French. Should I be? Mar 26 07, 6:46 PM

queproblema

Glad I didn't spend any time on St. Regulus or lambs and CATS! This makes no sense to me: “'A lamb can bathe in it without drowning, while an elephant can swim in it'; this ancient saying refers to a work of only seventy-three short chapters." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_of_Nursia Hoping to hear the end of this....... Mar 26 07, 9:45 PM

peasypod

OOohhhhhh, we have the dude, and his RULE. Now, find the phrase that is attributed to him. Mar 26 07, 10:27 PM

wendypj

Is it 'the devil makes work for idle hands' or some variant of this? Mar 26 07, 11:27 PM

peasypod

Not really, but it is to do with Satan, yes. Mar 26 07, 11:54 PM

wendypj

Vade retro satana - step back satan - found in the New Testament, Mark 8:33 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vade_retro_satana Mar 27 07, 12:47 AM

wendypj

Oh I forgot - It is part of the Medieval Catholic formula for exorcism and the French use it (humorously) to describe someone they don't like. Mar 27 07, 12:50 AM

peasypod

Lovely wendy, now that wasn't too stressful was it? ;) A Golden Banana for you. Mar 27 07, 12:51 AM

What-A-Mess

Mark 8:33 "But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men." http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=get%20thee%20behind%20me&version1=9&searchtype=all http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=get%20thee%20behind%20me&version1=9&searchtype=all Mar 27 07, 12:57 AM

What-A-Mess

There should be a "Stumper" Badge awarded. I nominate you Peasey to be the first recipient! With Frankie! Mar 27 07, 12:59 AM

wendypj

No stress at all Peasy since Gmack and qp did most of the leg work for me. I have figured out that your questions are easier on my health if I don't look at them for two days and then pop in and see what everyone else has figured out, ruled out or had clues about. Happy to share the banana with all concerned. I also second W-A-M's proposal of a stumper badge for Peasy and Frankie!! Mar 27 07, 1:14 AM

peasypod

You're right, I'll donate a 'roll' to gmack for his minted lamb workings, and a complimentary golden trident for qp. Mar 27 07, 1:24 AM