Can We Talk 2

Sneezing

         It's pollen season, so there's more sneezing all around. We hear "Bless you" and "Gesundheit" all over the place. Ever wonder why we feel the need to bless someone who makes a simple sneeze?

         When I was a child, my mother always said. "Scat". We asked why, and she just replied that was the thing to do. It wasn't until much later that we heard "Gesundheit" and later still the "Bless you". Then in French class, we translated the word Scat. The teacher explained that the French of older times believed a sneeze was the sound of evil spirits leaving the body. The order to scatter would prevent them from re-entering the body. Apparently, the habit came to America without the explanation.

         The German blessing indicates a little concern for wellness. The American blessing is a softer version. One episode of Seinfeld had George making a big deal about someone not saying "Bless you" when his girl friend sneezed, but then the show did claim to be a show about nothing. The truth is we are not required to acknowledge someone's sneeze. There is nothing wrong with ignoring it, particularly if they are sneezing a lot. We don't say anything about coughing or dabbing at a runny nose.

         Making a kind remark, like a blessing, is idle chatter which may make the person less embarrassed. It may even be a polite gesture to a stranger in the market. Whether you say anything or not, it's not a matter of etiquette. The sneezer will usually say "Excuse me", which is more of a matter of manners, particularly for loud or disruptive sneezes. Covering the sneeze is not only good manners but a requirement in some environments to avoid spreading germs. Sneezing (or coughing) into your shoulder or inside your jacket or shirt is preferable to sneezing into your hands. Pulling up the neck of your t-shirt to cover your nose is not rude or gauche in this germophobe age.

         So, Gesundheit, and Bless You. And scat to your evil spirits.