David W. said:
Does anyone say "God bless you" or "bless you" when someone sneezes? I've thought about this and have come to the conclusion that it's superstition that has evolved into common courtesy. Also, if you think about it, nobody says it when someone coughs, blows their nose, etc.
My wife thinks I'm making a big deal out of it. What think ye?
Are you Catholic?
Kyrie Eleison <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" />
It is believed by some that saying "God bless you" after a sneeze was literally a blessing in the RCC. In addition,
Pope Gregory the Great came into the Papacy after the beginning of the plague (his successor died of it). Because of the plague, Gregory called for prayer for God's help. Many marched through the streets chanting,
Kyrie Eleison (
Lord have mercy). When someone sneezed, they were immediately blessed (
God bless you) in the hope that they would not subsequently develop the plague. Why? Because it was believed “by some” that this would prevent the escape of the soul from the body, which was thought to occur with a sneeze (soullessness was believed to cause ill health <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Eeeeeek.gif" alt="" />).
PS: There are several theories regarding the beginning of this custom. The earliest usage I could find was: Apuleius, Golden Ass, AD 150.
