Ever sneezed and been met with a response that left you scratching your head?
In the Netherlands, if you sneeze three times in a row, someone might cheerfully declare, “Morgen mooi weer”, meaning “Good weather tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, in Spanish-speaking countries, the first sneeze earns you a “Salud” (“Health”), the second “Dinero” (“Money”), and the third “Amor” (“Love”). It’s like a mini lottery of blessings.
Travel to Iceland, and sneezing becomes a divine affair. After the first sneeze, you might hear “Guð hjálpi þér” (“God help you”), followed by “styrki þig” (“strengthen you”) for the second, and “og styðji” (“and support”) for the third. Miss the memo, and you might think you’ve accidentally summoned a prayer circle.
In Turkey, the response escalates with each sneeze. First, you’re wished “Çok yaşa” (“Live long”), then “Sağlıklı yaşa” (“Live healthy”). The sneezer’s reply? A humble acknowledgment, hoping the well-wisher witnesses their longevity.
Not all cultures chime in post-sneeze. In Japan, sneezing is often met with silence, unless it’s a prolonged fit, in which case someone might express concern, according to NBC Philadelphia.
These quirky customs highlight the rich tapestry of human traditions. So, next time you sneeze abroad, brace yourself for anything from a blessing to a weather forecast.
