The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PROVERB FOR SNEEZING-SAID IMMEDIATELY AFTER ONE
SNEEZES BY SOMEONE IN HIS COMPANY: "BLESS YOU."
THE REASON GIVEN IS THAT WHEN ONE SNEEZES, ALL OF
YOUR BODY ACTIONS OR FUNCTIONS MOMENTARILY STOP
(IN EFFECT, YOU'VE DIED) AND THE ACCOMPANIER SAYS
THE PHRASE JUST IN CASE THE PERSON WHO SNEEZES DIES
AT THAT POINT, THUS WISHING HEAVEN UPON THE SNEEZER.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO

Date learned: 00001950S