The song is sung both at informal gatherings (such as birthdays or name days) or at formal events, such as weddings.
It is also noted for being an integral part of Polish immigrant culture even long after assimilation.
The song serves the equivalent function of "Happy Birthday to You" or "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow".
Of the few variations of the optional second verse, the most common one is as follows: Niech im gwiazdka pomyślności Nigdy nie zagaśnie!
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.
In literature, Sto Lat is a fictional city in Terry Pratchett's Discworld Series.