It’s common courtesy in many cultures to say “bless you” or something similar after someone sneezes. This tradition dates back centuries and has origins in various superstitions and beliefs. When someone sneezed, it was thought that their soul may escape or evil spirits may enter, so people said “God bless you” as a protective prayer. While this belief is no longer prevalent, the habit of saying “bless you” has endured in many places. But what about in Ireland? What do Irish people say when someone sneezes?
Common Irish Responses to a Sneeze
In Ireland, there are a few common responses or wishes expressed after someone sneezes:
“God bless you”
The most well-known response is to say “God bless you.” This follows the traditional English response and the idea of asking for God’s blessing and protection following the sneeze. Many Irish people still use this familiar phrase out of habit or politeness when someone sneezes.
“Bless you”
It’s also very common to simply say “bless you” or “bless ya” in Ireland. This takes the religious element out of the response while still wishing a blessing on the person who sneezed. It’s a courteous and often reflexive response.
“Good health”
Another very Irish response is to say “good health” or “good health to you” after a sneeze. Rather than focusing on blessing, this response focuses on wishing the sneezer ongoing robust health. This links back to the idea that a sneeze could be an ill omen, so wishing the person continued health serves as a counter to that.
“Cover your mouth”
Sometimes, particularly if the sneezer doesn’t make an attempt to stifle or cover their sneeze, the response will be something like “cover your mouth” or “put your hand over your mouth.” This is gently chastising and reminds the sneezer to practice good manners and hygiene.
Responses in the Irish Language
There are also typical Irish language responses and blessings extended after someone sneezes:
“Dia linn”
This phrases translates to “God be with us” and inviting God’s presence and protection in the moment.
“Sláinte”
Sláinte means “health” in Irish, so this is wishing the sneezer ongoing good health. This is the equivalent of saying “bless you.”
“Go mbeannaí Dia duit”
This phrase means “May God bless you” – essentially the Irish translation of the “God bless you” response.
Superstitions and Folklore Around Sneezing
In addition to common verbal responses and blessings after a sneeze, there are also some traditional Irish superstitions and folklore connected to sneezing:
Soul Escaping
As mentioned earlier, one widespread traditional belief is that the soul escapes the body during a sneeze. Saying “bless you” wards off evil and keeps the soul safe. Irish culture had its own traditional spin on this folk belief.
Fortune Telling
Some believed the day of the week on which a person sneezed could be used to tell their fortune. For example, sneezing on Sunday meant you’d enjoy good fortune in the week ahead, while sneezing on Wednesday foretold troubles.
Coming Fortune
Sneezing before breakfast was sometimes seen as an omen of coming fortune or a financial windfall later that day. The sneeze had to happen prior to the first meal though.
Rainy Day
When several people sneezed at once, it could be taken as a sign that wet and rainy weather was on the way. Group sneezing was seen as an atmospheric indicator.
Talking About You
If you sneezed for no apparent reason, it could mean that someone somewhere was talking about you. The sneeze served as a little alert that gossip or discussion about you was taking place.
Pinch of Snuff
Some believed offering a pinch of snuff tobacco to the sneezer would help ward off evil and secure the soul. This practice originated when people carried snuff on their person regularly.
Spell Casting
Hearing a sneeze to your right was considered lucky, while a sneeze to your left had the opposite meaning. Left sneezes were thought to indicate misfortune because witches supposedly cast spells from the left side.
Variations by Region
There are some subtle regional differences in what Irish people say after a sneeze:
Ulster
In Ulster Irish dialect, you may hear “dia dhuit” meaning “God be with you” or just “dhuit” – essentially shorthand for saying “bless you.”
Connaught
In the Connaught region, the Irish response “Dia is Muire duit” is common. This means “God and Mary be with you.”
Munster
The Munster dialect has some colorful responses including “fluit a Dhia uait e” meaning “May God drive it from you.”
Responses in Other Situations or Cultures
While “bless you” is very common in Ireland after a sneeze, it’s interesting to consider what responses are typical in other cultures:
Germany
In Germany, it’s common to say “Gesundheit” meaning “health.” This has the same intention as the Irish “good health” wish.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, people often say “Aukú” in response to a sneeze, which means “life” or “to live.”
China
The Chinese response is “生日快乐” meaning “happy birthday.” Sneezing is seen as a sign of a new life or rebirth.
Greece
In Greece, people commonly say “υγεία σου” after a sneeze, meaning “health to you.” Similar to the Irish sláinte.
Farsi
In modern Farsi, the response is “عافیت باشه” which translates to “health,” but can also mean “forgiveness” in a religious sense.
Turkey
Turkish speakers say “Çok yaşa” meaning “may you live long” in response to sneezes.
| Country | Response to Sneeze | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | “God bless you” | Blessing for protection |
| Germany | “Gesundheit” | Health |
| Hawaii | “Aukú” | Life |
| China | “生日快乐” | Happy birthday |
Conclusion
In Ireland, the common responses and blessings said after someone sneezes include: “God bless you,” “bless you,” “good health,” and Irish phrases like “Dia linn” and “sláinte.” These responses tie into traditional folk beliefs about sneezes, while also serving as polite habits. Regional dialects have some interesting variations too. Comparatively, many other cultures focus on wishing good health, longevity, or blessing in their own sneeze responses as well. So the next time you sneeze and hear “bless you,” you’ll know you’re receiving a friendly Irish blessing filled with history!