Mystique and Manners: The Etiquette of Sneezing and Its Origins

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the phrase 'bless you' when someone sneezes? It turns out, this small gesture carries a rich history and cultural significance that goes beyond merely wishing someone well during a sneeze. Let's explore the myths, superstitions, and etiquette surrounding this common social interaction.

Legend and Contemporary Custom

It is a widely held myth that when you sneeze, you expel the evil/bad luck/undesirable things inside your soul. This is why people often respond with 'God bless you,' a phrase that dates back to ancient times. When someone sneezes, it is considered customary and polite to say 'Bless you,' but unnecessary to reply with 'You’re welcome,' as is typically done when rejecting a compliment.

Historical Context: Plague and Sneezing

One theory traces the origins of 'bless you' to the days of the Plague, also known as the Black Death or the Great Pestilence. It is believed that during an outbreak of this deadly disease, a sneeze could be a sign of an impending infection that could lead to death. During these terrifying times, people might have whispered 'Bless you' as a prayer, hoping to protect the sneezer from the deadly plague.

Another variation of the nursery rhyme, "Ring-a ring-a roses, a pocketful of posies, Atishoo, Atishoo, we all fall down," is thought to originate from the same period. In this case, 'posies' were sweet-scented herbs that people carried to mask the odor of death and disease, and 'Atishoo' was the sound of a sneeze which could be a sign of infection. 'Bless you' at such a time was likely used to wish protection against the plague.

Pop Culture and Modern Interpretation

Today, 'bless you' is a simple act of politeness that may not carry the same ominous weight as in the past. Some people, however, have their own unique responses. For instance, in the text, the author says they respond with 'Hundschaib,' which roughly translates to 'dog animal thing.' This indicates a mix of culture, personality, and personal values. Some may be atheist, others might have a quirky sense of humor, which they express through their responses.

For those who take the act of sneezing too seriously, there is a practical and humorous response: ‘Did you get much on you?’ This suggests a pragmatic approach that focuses on helping the sneezer, rather than prayer or superstition. Others might offer a tissue to the person who sneezed, which shows a modern approach to hygiene and altruism.

Enlightening Myths and Practical Etiquette

Myths like 'sneezing expels evil' are now understood in a scientific context: a sneeze clears the nasal passages of irritants like dust, bacteria, or allergens. It is a reflex action that the body takes to protect itself. This perspective helps in understanding the superstitions that evolved around sneezing and the origin of 'bless you.'

Etiquette-wise, the response to a sneeze is simple: 'Bless you' is a courteous and standard response. However, in the modern era, humor and practicality have also found their way into this tradition. The key is to show empathy and care, whether through a whimsical word or a practical gesture like offering a tissue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrase 'bless you' when someone sneezes stems from a complicated mix of ancient superstitions and modern sensibilities. Whether you say 'Bless you,' 'You’re welcome,' or something entirely different, the core of the matter is the same: a little kindness can go a long way in showing you care. Embrace these subtle gestures of empathy, and let them be a reflection of our shared human experience.