2007-07-16 07:31:53 · 39 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Don't have to say anything...
Considering that a sneeze is an emission of bodily waste, it would be appropriate for the sneezer to excuse himself (or herself) and be done with it.
The idea that anything @ all be said to a sneezer comes from the idea that your soul escapes your body through sneezing and blessing the sneezer puts it back in.
Of course, purely for the sake of being ridiculous, you could tell a sneezer to go to hell, just to see what their reaction is (don't worry, there's no such thing as hell anyway).
2007-07-16 07:40:18 · answer #1 · answered by DwayneWayne 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the only reason that ever started was because in the Middle ages people though when you sneezed you were releasing demons. So they were "blessing" that process of spiritual cleansing. So if you don't believe in that, you don't have to say anything at all. But it's a good question.
2007-07-16 07:36:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
People say God Bless you, or Bless you, because long ago, it was believed that would protect you from evil spirits entering while you sneeze, but some people just say it to be nice. I usually say, Did you get any on you?
2007-07-16 08:12:19 · answer #3 · answered by >♥Cat♥< 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say "Bless you"
Unless I know that they are a Christian then I say "God Bless you"
What is wrong with saying Bless you to an Atheist? Do they not believe that they can receive a blessing? There are many different ways to receive blessings, from God is just one way.
Peace be with you!
2007-07-16 07:39:39 · answer #4 · answered by C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just respond with a gratis sneeze,so they will not feel embarressed...Then ask God to bless them,when they leave the room.(as some are evidently offended, when one petitions God for a health challenge,blessing).. rolls eyes
2007-07-16 07:42:26 · answer #5 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Spanish 'salud' it can mean bless you - but it also means "HEALTH" which has no religious connections.
Check Chinese, and other languages.
After 2000+ years it will be hard to change societies "Bless you". As it means less and less religious and just a reflex action from childhood.
2007-07-16 14:55:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just say, "Bless you." It's just a polite expression. I'm not really blessing anyone, of course. I don't even believe in a god.
2007-07-16 07:36:24 · answer #7 · answered by bollywoodturtle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a friend in high school who said "shut up". I thought that was funny. Another friend would say Reagan bless you. You don't really have to say anything. In Spanish we say Salud which just means health.
2007-07-16 07:38:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that started as one of those sayings to ward off evil. In the old days sneezing could mean you were going to get sick and possibly die. So that was a superstitious way to ward off evil.
I guess you could say, hope you're well?
2007-07-16 07:36:27 · answer #9 · answered by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ewwwwwwwww! ;)
I can't think of anything better than God bless you. A simple bless you comes in 2nd place.
2007-07-16 07:38:46 · answer #10 · answered by sdb deacon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋