Since it is a religious thing.
2007-02-19 10:14:55 · 23 answers · asked by Death.Note.fan 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Instead of saying "Bless you", I say "Wishes".
2007-02-19 10:34:05 · update #1
Yeah, actually it does.
I say it only because it greases the "social machine", but there's no sincerity behind my words. If anything, I'd rather say, "please go wash your hands."
2007-02-19 10:19:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It actually dates back to the Middle Ages when the Black plague was dominant in a lot of places. People thought sneezing was a sign that the plague had possessed you so they said, " God Bless You", as a way to ward off any sickness they might give to someone else and it kinda stuck. You shouldn't be offended because most people don't realize what they're saying when they do it.
2007-02-19 10:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by Becky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it annoy you when someone discounts what you say or do? Or when they imply that your way is the wrong way?
The intention of blessing or saying wishes is the same, to offer the sneezer some love. Intending that the loving thoughts expressed in words helps heal them or help them feel better.
2007-02-19 11:49:49 · answer #3 · answered by dingydarla 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Naw. They are not specific about who or what is doing the blessing, so I can take it to mean anything I like ;-)
Anyway by my definition, a blessing is nothing more than good fortune found, and that is not a bad thing to wish someone.
2007-02-19 10:25:41 · answer #4 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not really.
In our society over the years a simple "bless you" has evolved from a religious statement to an automatic reply, sort of like "thank you" or "good morning". You just say it to be nice without really thinking about it.
2007-02-19 10:20:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A little. It's more annoying when they say "God bless you."
But I think it's more of a superstition. I've read that people used to think the soul could escape through the sneeze, and saying "God bless you" would shove it back in.
2007-02-19 10:18:52 · answer #6 · answered by KATYA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. It is nice to know that, on occasion, the person saying it wishes you better health. It may be just words from some people, but in my mind that means that the saying carries a neutral to positive tone. Why fill your life with more negative than is absolutely necessary?
2007-02-19 10:23:17 · answer #7 · answered by steele_feher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they are just being polite. Legend says they are keeping the bad spiritd away that come out when you sneeze.
2007-02-19 10:19:50 · answer #8 · answered by taylorvillegirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. I am not religious and I say it because I was raised that it is the polite thing to do.
2007-02-19 10:23:22 · answer #9 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. They mean no harm. And besides, they might have been taught to do that when someone sneezes. To me, it's just polite. I always do it when someone sneezes.
2007-02-19 10:19:33 · answer #10 · answered by Kharm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Those who say it are simply repeating a common courtesy. It doesn't really have much religious significance.
2007-02-19 10:18:31 · answer #11 · answered by Sun: supporting gay rights 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋