Why is it that we say these things when someone sneezes, but when someone coughs we don't say anything?
2007-03-13 12:36:07 · 9 answers · asked by Gleezus 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
At some point it became a mainstay of culture that people just do without question. Personally I don't see reason to say those things because how is it helpful? unless, i guess, if someone is sick and you want to tell them to get better
2007-03-13 12:53:05 · answer #1 · answered by Bouken SocratiCat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a lot of different superstitions around the world to do with sneezing.
In English-speaking countries, it is common for at least one person to say "God bless you" (or just "Bless you") after someone sneezes. This tradition originates from the Middle Ages, when it was believed that when one sneezed, the heart stops, the soul left the body and could be snatched by an evil spirit. Today, it is said mostly in the spirit of good manners.
Coughing is a much more common occurance and can be brought on by many things from dust, smoke, colds, pollen etc etc...i guess coughing isn't seen as significant enough to warrant a special acknowledgement!
2007-03-13 12:45:19 · answer #2 · answered by Sight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The custom of saying "God bless you" after a sneeze was begun literally as a blessing. Pope Gregory the Great (540-604 AD) ascended to the Papacy just in time for the start of the plague. Gregory called for litanies, processions and unceasing prayer for God's help and intercession.
Columns marched through the streets chanting, "Kyrie Eleison" (Greek for "Lord have mercy"). When someone sneezed, they were immediately blessed ("God bless you!") in the hope that they would not subsequently develop the plague.
Your heart doesn't stop when you sneeze. Some cultures believe that the sneeze expels the soul from the body.
2007-03-13 12:45:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I havn't said god bless you in years because the whole concept is blas-pha-mis (spelling?) it came from back in the day when people would sneeze it was thought your soul was leaving your body and people were blessing you, almost like god have mercy on you. Also, I've heard a sneeze is 1/10 an orgasm
2007-03-13 13:04:12 · answer #4 · answered by Paul 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In 14th century Europe, during the Bubonic Plague, everyone was afraid they might catch it and die. Sneezing was thought to be a symptom or sign that you had the plague. I am not sure if it really is but it was thought to be. Because there was no known cure for the plague, the only one who could save the people was "god". Therefore they said "Bless you!" and "God Bless you!" so the people wouldn't die from the disease. It has nothing to do with your heart stopping whatsoever.
2007-03-13 12:46:21 · answer #5 · answered by Dido 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ms. u.s. what distinction might it make if we answer hearth with hearth none. you realize for a certainty it gets worse and could no longer get nowhere. there for as a replace of speaking to you with words without expertise, We permit you realize God Bless You , so which you and your loved ones would be bless in accordance to the alternatives you're making in existence: in case you place up your self to God. God loves anybody that's no longer appropriate what you pronounced , he nevertheless loves you the way you're. yet is as much as you to verify your self the place you stand and the place you will adore to be interior the long-term. Remeber % properly and picture two times before you talk. because of the fact the capacity of words is interior the tongue. God Bless you in Jesus call.
2016-10-18 07:43:46 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has something to do with your heart stopping when you sneeze and you are blessed because you came out of it? lol...something like that!
2007-03-13 12:39:35 · answer #7 · answered by Spaceyangel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
something about maybe dying when u sneeze
2007-03-13 15:20:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it's just the polite thing to do
2007-03-13 12:44:04 · answer #9 · answered by shorty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋