Introduction
Ah-choo! Almost everyone has heard this sound followed by the phrase “bless you”. Saying “bless you” after a sneeze has become a universal custom that transcends religion, culture, and borders. Although a simple and reflexive response, saying “bless you” after a sneeze has a rich history and various interpretations. In this article, we explore the superstitious, cultural, and scientific origins of this tradition and why it persists to this day.
The Superstitious Origin of “Bless You”: Why do we still believe in it today?
Imagine you are in ancient times, and someone sneezes. What could have caused it? Back then, people believed that sneezing expels evil spirits from the body, leading to the phrase “God bless you” to protect the sneezer from the spirits. However, the phrase “bless you,” which is more commonly used today, originated in the 6th century as a response to a plague during the reign of Pope Gregory.
Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, was one of the deadliest pandemics in history, killing nearly 50 million people. Sufferers of the disease experienced severe sneezing, coughing, and congestion. To prevent the disease from spreading, Pope Gregory recommended saying “God bless you” when someone sneezes to protect them from contracting the disease and passing it on to others. Although this belief is no longer relevant today, the practice of saying “bless you” persists.
The Cultural Significance of Post-Sneeze Blessings
The practice of saying “bless you” varies across different cultures. While in English-speaking countries, “bless you” is the most common response after a sneeze, other cultures have different ways of blessing or acknowledging a sneeze. For example, in Germany, Gesundheit is used, which means “health” or “well-being.” In China, sneezing is considered a good omen, so people say “bai sui” or “may you live 100 years”.
The norms surrounding the practice of saying “bless you” also differ between cultures. In some communities, it is not necessary to say anything, while in others, it is considered rude not to. In some situations, the blessing is reserved for family members or close friends only. In some cases, people say “bless you” multiple times to ensure that the person has been adequately protected.
Despite these variations, saying “bless you” serves as a social function as part of communication. It is a way to wish good health and happiness to someone and acknowledge their sneeze.
A Brief Guide to the History of Saying “Bless You” After a Sneeze
The practice of saying “bless you” after a sneeze has been recorded as early as AD 77. The Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder believed that a person’s soul was expelled during a sneeze and had to be coaxed to return with a blessing.
The practice evolved over time, with different cultures adopting and modifying the tradition. In the Middle Ages, the phrase “God bless you” was commonly used, reflecting the strong connection between religion and sneezing. During the time of the bubonic plague, “God bless you” was seen as a way of warding off the disease, leading to the widespread use of the phrase.
Today, saying “bless you” after a sneeze is seen as good manners and a social norm. However, the belief in the connection between sneezing and evil spirits is no longer prevalent, with the practice being mostly a reflexive response.
Bless You: The Sociology of Social Conventions
Social conventions are norms that govern human behavior. They are the unwritten rules of society that dictate what is considered right or wrong, acceptable or unacceptable. Saying “bless you” after a sneeze is an example of a social convention.
Social conventions play a vital role in shaping human interaction and communication. They help us navigate social situations and build relationships with others. Social conventions are not absolute and change over time to reflect the changing norms and values of society.
The relationship between social conventions and culture is also significant. Social conventions are shaped by cultural norms, and vice versa. Cultural differences can manifest in social conventions, with some practices being specific to certain cultures.
An Anthropological Analysis of the Blessing Tradition
The practice of saying “bless you” after a sneeze has played a significant role in various societies’ cultural identity and symbolism. In some cultures, saying “bless you” is seen as a sign of respect for the sneezer, while in others, it is seen as a way to bring good luck.
In societies where religion plays a vital role, the connection between sneezing and evil spirits is still prevalent. In these cultures, saying “bless you” is seen as a way of protecting the soul from harm. In secular societies, the practice of saying “bless you” is more of a social convention and a way of showing concern for the person who sneezed.
The practice of saying “bless you” also helps to create a sense of community and identity. By participating in the cultural practice, people feel a sense of belonging and connection to their culture and community.
The Science Behind Sneeze Blessing: Does it really protect you from evil spirits?
Sneezing is a reflexive response that occurs when the nasal passages are irritated. It is a way of expelling irritants such as pollen or dust from the nose. Sneezing has no connection to evil spirits, as believed in ancient times. The idea that saying “bless you” protects someone from evil spirits is a superstition that has no scientific basis.
However, saying “bless you” after a sneeze has been shown to have some benefits. It is a way of acknowledging the person who sneezed and showing concern for their well-being. It can also help to create a positive social interaction and improve the relationship between people.
Bless You, But Why? Examining the Logic Behind a Reflex.
While the reflexive nature of saying “bless you” after a sneeze may seem illogical, there are psychological reasons behind this practice. Research has shown that saying “bless you” after a sneeze is a way of showing empathy and social support.
The practice of saying “bless you” is also a way of establishing social norms and rules. It creates an expectation of how people should behave in social situations. It reinforces the idea that polite and courteous behavior is valued and appreciated in society.
Conclusion
Saying “bless you” after a sneeze is a universal practice with a rich history, culture, and science behind it. Although the belief in evil spirits causing sneezing no longer applies today, the practice of saying “bless you” persists as a social norm and a way of acknowledging the person who sneezed. It serves as a way of establishing social conventions and creating a sense of belonging and community. Understanding the significance of saying “bless you” can improve our understanding of human behavior and communication.