The History and Origins of Sneezing Superstitions
Sneezes have long been seen as omens, going all the way back to ancient times. Many early cultures viewed sneezes as messages from the gods or spirits. The ancient Greeks, for example, believed that sneezes were prophetic signs from the gods. If someone sneezed while setting out on a journey or starting a new endeavor, it was seen as a good omen.
Sneezes in Ancient Mythology
In Greek and Roman mythology, sneezes were often featured prominently. The goddess of love, Aphrodite, was believed to have been born from the sneeze of Uranus. According to the myth, Uranus's son Cronus attacked him and cut off his genitals, throwing them into the sea. The sea foam produced from this act gave rise to Aphrodite.
Likewise, the Romans believed that sneezes expelled evil spirits from the body. The custom of saying "bless you" or "God bless you" started with Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century AD. He instructed people to pray for the soul of someone who sneezed, believing that the sneeze was an omen that they may soon die of the plague.
Good Omen or Bad Omen
Some cultures, however, saw sneezes as bad omens. In many parts of West Africa, people believed that a sneeze meant that gossip was being spoken about the sneezer. In China, sneezes without an obvious cause were thought to signify that someone was speaking ill of the sneezer.
Modern Spiritual Views on Sneezes
While most modern societies do not retain superstitious beliefs about sneezes, some spiritual traditions still impart meaning to the act of sneezing. Many Pagan faiths associate sneezes with messages from deities or spirits.
Signs from the Spirit World
In some forms of modern Pagan witchcraft and Wicca, unexpected sneezes are viewed as confirmations from the spirit world and the gods. When asking for a sign, a sudden sneeze is seen as an affirmative "yes" answer to the question or request.
Some psychics and mediums also believe sneezes can signal the presence of spirits trying to communicate with the living world. The sudden burst of air leaving the body creates energy that spirits can manipulate to indicate their presence.
Cleansing the Body and Soul
The explosive release of air and particles from the mouth and nose can also be seen as purifying and cleansing. Many Pagans bless themselves and others after a sneeze, seeing it as a temporary opening that allows negative energy to leave the body.
In this sense, saying "bless you" replicates the practice of Pope Gregory in trying to protect the sneezer's soul right after the expulsion of bad spirits or energy. The blessing rebalances and cleanses the soul after the sneeze disturbance.
Cultural and Religious Variations on Sneeze Blessings
Today, many religions and cultures around the world have their own variations on blessing sneezers:
Christianity
- In Christian nations, it is common to say "God bless you" after a sneeze. German speakers say "Gesundheit", meaning "health."
Islam
- In many Arab countries, the phrase "Alhamdulillah" meaning "praise be to God" is used after sneezes. Sometimes, people will also say "Yarhamuk Allah", which means "God have mercy on you."
Hinduism
- In India and Nepal, people often say "live!" or "with long life!" in their local languages after hearing someone sneeze.
Buddhism
- Some Buddhists bless sneezers by saying "Buddhism" after a sneeze, honoring their faith.
China
- In China, the common response is "wng sh" after a sneeze, meaning "live forever."
Japan
- In Japan, after hearing a sneeze, people often respond with the onomatopoeic word "hakashun," imitating the sound of a sternutation.
Sneeze Superstitions Persist Today
While full-fledged sneeze-based religions and mythologies are mostly a thing of the past, superstitious beliefs still surround sternutations today. Even those who consider themselves completely rational and scientific can sometimes feel an eerie sensation when hearing an unexpected sneeze.
By blessing sneezers, we replicate centuries-old spiritual practices surrounding nostrils and the soul. Whether you view sneezes as simple biological phenomena or as superstitious omens, they remain an unusual yet common part of the human experience around the world.
FAQs
Why did people believe sneezes had spiritual meaning in ancient times?
Ancient cultures like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians viewed sternutations as messages from the gods or omens related to one's future or soul. They believed the explosive expulsion of air allowed spirits to communicate with or impact the physical world.
Do any religions today still impart spiritual meaning to sneezes?
Some Pagan and Wiccan traditions see unexpected sneezes as confirmations or signs from the spirit realm. They also view sneezes as openings that allow negative energy to exit the body. Many faiths also continue blessings after sneezes as cleansing rituals.
Why do we say "bless you" or "God bless you" when someone sneezes?
The common practice started with Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century AD. He told people to pray for the soul of sneezers, fearing their death from the bubonic plague was near. Over time this became the customary response throughout Christian nations and cultures.
Do people still believe in superstitions related to sneezing today?
While scientifically-minded modern societies do not endorse sneeze superstitions, vestiges of folk beliefs still remain. Even non-religious people sometimes feel an uncanny sensation when hearing an unexpected sternutation. Blessing sneezers also continues centuries of ritualistic practice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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