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If nobody knows the true origin of the phrase, why do people continue to say "bless you" after you sneeze?
There are many theories as to why people sneeze. Wikipedia lists seven such theories. Since it's clear that nobody knows where the phrase came from, why do we continue to say this phrase to people each time they sneeze? I'm not religious, and it drives me nuts when people bless me after I sneeze... especially if I sneeze 3 times in a row, which is usually my style.
Sneezing is the body's way to expel air forcibly from the mouth and nose in an explosive, spasmodic involuntary action resulting chiefly from irritation of the nasal mucous membrane. Do we really need to be courteous to others when someone does this? What's the point? To be "nice"?
Sneezing is the body's way to expel air forcibly from the mouth and nose in an explosive, spasmodic involuntary action resulting chiefly from irritation of the nasal mucous membrane. Do we really need to be courteous to others when someone does this? What's the point? To be "nice"?
voted interesting: worldflavors
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Well, people say it just to be nice. I totally agree with you, I think there is no point to say bless you and I never say it to someone when they sneeze. The thing is, people think it's a nice gesture, so they say bless you just in case someone takes you not saying it the wrong way.
Also, I think the origin is during the plague, when they thought you would die, because they weren't too smart, but they were very religious!
Also, I think the origin is during the plague, when they thought you would die, because they weren't too smart, but they were very religious!
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Mahalo was having problems earlier and double-posted my question. Please post your answers to: http://www.mahalo.com/answers/etiquette/if-nobody-knows-the-true-origin-of-the-phrase-why-do-people-continue-to-say-bless-you-after-you-sneeze
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It's part of the moral code and is expected.
Mahalo was having problems earlier and double-posted my question. Please post your answers to: http://www.mahalo.com/answers/etiquette/if-nobody-knows-the-true-origin-of-the-phrase-why-do-people-continue-to-say-bless-you-after-you-sneeze
I hate it when people say it to me, because they have NO IDEA whether God does or does not bless me.
I refuse to say it because I have no right to assume whether or not God is going to bless them...
I refuse to say it because I have no right to assume whether or not God is going to bless them...
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