Sneezing is a natural reflex of the body that helps clear the nasal passages of dust, bacteria or other irritants. But since ancient times, people have attached mystical significance to this phenomenon. In many cultures, there are signs and superstitions associated with sneezing, in particular, the belief that sneezing can confirm the truthfulness of words or thoughts, writes IZ. Does this have an explanation from the point of view of science, and how do different peoples interpret this phenomenon?
Content
- The origin of superstition: why is sneezing considered a sign of truth?
- Sneezing in different cultures: mysticism and symbolism
- Scientific view: is there a connection between sneezing and truth?
- Should you believe in superstitions about sneezing?
The origin of superstition: why is sneezing considered a sign of truth?
The superstition that sneezing confirms the truth of what is said has deep roots in human history. In many cultures, it was considered a sign from the gods or spirits, who thus gave confirmation to the statement. In ancient Greece, for example, sneezing was perceived as a sign from the gods, especially Zeus, and if a person sneezed while speaking, it was perceived as confirmation of their truthfulness.
In the lands of the Slavic peoples, there was a belief that if a person sneezed after saying a phrase, it meant that they were telling the truth. This superstition was passed down from generation to generation and has survived to this day.
Sneezing in different cultures: mysticism and symbolism
Sneezing was considered a special sign not only among the Slavs, but also among many other peoples of the world:
- Japan : There is a belief in Japanese culture that if a person sneezes, it means that someone is remembering them or gossiping about them.
- India : In some regions of India, sneezing before starting an important task is considered a bad omen, so people often try to interrupt the action and wait a while.
- English-speaking countries : In the English-speaking world, there is a tradition of saying “Bless you” after sneezing, which dates back to the times of the plague, when people believed that the soul momentarily leaves the body.
- China : The Chinese believe that sneezing can be a harbinger of events or a sign that someone is being talked about in their absence.
- Greece : The ancient Greeks considered sneezing to be a prophetic sign, and Odysseus even took his son's sneezing as confirmation of his fate.
Scientific view: is there a connection between sneezing and truth?
From a scientific point of view, sneezing in no way confirms the truthfulness of a person's words. It is a reflex process that occurs due to irritation of the nasal mucosa. The causes can be dust, allergens, viruses, or even sudden bright light (the phenomenon of photic sneezing).
However, psychology can explain this superstition. People subconsciously seek confirmation of their beliefs, and if someone sneezes after an important phrase, this can be perceived as a sign from above. It is also worth mentioning the effect of selective perception – a person notices only those cases that confirm his belief, and does not pay attention to those that refute it.
Should you believe in superstitions about sneezing?
Like most superstitions, the belief in sneezing as a sign of truth depends on a person's personal beliefs. Science does not confirm this connection, but tradition and cultural characteristics continue to support this myth. Even if there is no rational explanation, many people continue to jokingly use this superstition in everyday life.
On the other hand, sneezing can indeed signal a condition in the body – for example, allergies or the onset of a cold. Therefore, sometimes it is worth paying more attention to health than to superstitions.
As a reminder, we previously wrote: a broken ring or bracelet: what does such a sign portend?