2006-09-17 15:41:41 · 13 answers · asked by LuLuBelle 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
People thought that your heart stopped beating for the brief second they were sneezing, thus they said God Bless You to make sure your heart started beating again after the sneeze was over. Don't know if your heart really stops or not, but that's how it started. Granted most people drop the God from it, but that's how it used to be.
2006-09-17 15:44:47 · answer #1 · answered by ericamthompson 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Long ago, back in the dark ages, a simple virus like influenza (flu, cold, whatever) was virtually a death sentence. There were no medications. If the virus or infection progressed, there was no hope. So, when a person sneezed, the response was "Bless you". They were asking God's blessing and saying good-by and best wishes at the same time. Hope this helps, and - Bless You.
2006-09-17 15:52:25 · answer #2 · answered by risa131313 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is an old folktale that when a person sneezed, they were believed to be more vulnerable to being possessed by a demon or some other evil creature. Hence the God Bless You, which people thought would help ward off the evil spirits:)
2006-09-17 16:02:59 · answer #3 · answered by patti_jim_reynolds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The heart stops for a fraction of a second when one sneezes.
2006-09-17 15:44:52 · answer #4 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people used to believe that your soul left your body when you sneezed. they thought another spirit or demon could possess you durning that time so to protect each other they said bless you. or a blessing on you. which was a way to protect that person.
hope it helped
mournyngwolf
2006-09-17 15:46:33 · answer #5 · answered by mournyngwolf 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are two way to explain;
1) there are legend that say if you sneeze some one is cursing you (by talking. ex: that gal is a ***** )
2) someone miss you, the more you sneeze that means how much ppl miss you
2006-09-17 15:50:56 · answer #6 · answered by aeeyo1314 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom told me as a kid that it was because your heart skips a beat when you sneeze. I don't know if that's true or not.
2006-09-17 15:45:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
according to what i've read, ancient people believe that your soul goes out of your body when you sneeze, leaving it prone to spirit possessions, especially demons.. obviously, they say 'bless u' to keep 'spirits' away from u, while your 'soul' is not 'in it'..
2006-09-17 23:03:59 · answer #8 · answered by Carte Blanche 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because every time you sneeze, your heart skips a beat........
wouldn't it be nice if people said "bless you" for all of our other bodily functions as well?
2006-09-17 15:46:58 · answer #9 · answered by .Emerald. .Eyes. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually it was thought to be caused by the devil or demons, hence the blessing
2006-09-17 15:46:52 · answer #10 · answered by fn_49@hotmail.com 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋