It's just kinda stupid. It's nothing against God, and I bet he would agree. I think it started because some idiots thought a sneeze made you vulnerable to evil demons sneaking up your nose. Blessing you immediately, of course, drove them away.
Nowadays, it's so awkward. Do you say it, do you not say it?
And then if somebody says it to you, you have to thank them.
Yeesh. Let's just all agree to end it, what do you say?
2007-06-06 06:48:53 · 18 answers · asked by ? 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Has nothing to do with being "intolerant towards religion". It has to do with being a STUPID thing we do for no good reason. I like the answer about saying "salud". That part at least makes sense. You hear them sneeze, and then you wish them health. Even that might be annoying though.
I'm just not going to say anything, and if you people don't like it, scr3w you!!
2007-06-06 10:45:14 · update #1
Does that mean we also have to give up saying "Good-Bye" (a contraction of "God be with you")?
Why is there such a die-hard movement to erase any reference to "God" in secular society as a matter of "political correctness"? And aren't we going just a bit overboard when we worry about something like the phrase "Bless you" or "God bless you" regarding sneezing?
Your question just shows that our society is becoming so thin-skinned and intolerant of each other that even the smallest gesture of kindness is an attack on someone else's religious beliefs.
Aren't we getting just a little silly and petty with this?
2007-06-06 07:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by Shaman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I hear all the time from my Ma: "why do you give a blessing only when someone sneezes?" you should bless them all the time....and so on and on. she hates to hear that fake bless you wish. so we say 'Salud' (health to you) its not a blessing but a comment that you wish that person good health. Also I once heard that it started cause when you sneeze you skip a heart beat and blessing them was a true feeling to wish them a blessing in case they had a heart attack or something, I dont know really, its just a saying>>>>have a nice day...>j
2007-06-06 13:57:46 · answer #2 · answered by camero 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some one touched on this. It was believed a some point that when you sneezed your heart stopped for a split second ( who knows) at any rate the saying caught on and we have saying it in POLITE society ever since. if it bothers you so much try this. move to the united Arab emirates; they won't speak to you in English and they will say, Allah bless you. Then you can call them on it , get deported and come back here where you will sneeze and start it all over again! Oh my!!
2007-06-06 14:29:13 · answer #3 · answered by grounded 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand the reason for it is your heart actually stops for a split second when you sneeze. That is what I have heard anyways. I think it is very impolite not to say something like that when someone sneezes. Sorry just don't agree. I usually say "Bless You" after someone sneezes and Thank You if someone says it for me.
2007-06-06 14:40:49 · answer #4 · answered by Kali's Mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think so. It is a courtesy in refined society that extends from friends to strangers alike.
There is no written law that says you must be couteous or compassionate to others....yet. So just go on slugging along and leave the nice people alone.
May God bless you everyday!
2007-06-06 13:55:51 · answer #5 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I say "bless you" sometimes, other times I say quiet, more because I'm busy or its a stranger sneezing that I have passed by already.
I don't care one way or the other, but I do say it out of habit.
2007-06-06 14:02:53 · answer #6 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God bless you
2007-06-06 13:52:29 · answer #7 · answered by stormyblythe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. Why say something when a person sneezes but not when he coughs?
2007-06-06 13:55:32 · answer #8 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What difference does it make. You're not required to say it, and shouldn't pay any attention to anyone else saying it. Say gesundtheit ( health ) if you'd rather.
2007-06-06 13:55:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
may a thousand evil demons sneak up your nose
2007-06-06 20:20:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋