I looked it up..It seems that ancient Japanese beliefs about Sneezes are almost the Opposite of European..The European belief was that you needed God to Guard you from having an “Evil Spirit” Enter you when you sneezed.Japanese belief was that a sneeze was someone’s body Expelling a spirit and that you needed to Avoid calling that spirit’s attention to Yourself..
Many Japanese apologize after sneezing. I’ve learned not to say “bless you” after someone sneezes but some of my western friends (I’m a “gaijin” too) think I’m rude or insensitive.
Ida No over 9 years ago
Keeping in mind that it’s also common in Japan to blow your nose in your hand…
Pedmar Premium Member over 9 years ago
I prefer gesundheit, but I don’t hear anybody else using it anymore.
Comic Minister Premium Member over 9 years ago
OK Mai.
Stellagal over 9 years ago
If you sneeze in Japan, someone is brobably talking about you.
Tarredandfeathered over 9 years ago
I looked it up..It seems that ancient Japanese beliefs about Sneezes are almost the Opposite of European..The European belief was that you needed God to Guard you from having an “Evil Spirit” Enter you when you sneezed.Japanese belief was that a sneeze was someone’s body Expelling a spirit and that you needed to Avoid calling that spirit’s attention to Yourself..
Julius Marold Premium Member over 9 years ago
Many Japanese apologize after sneezing. I’ve learned not to say “bless you” after someone sneezes but some of my western friends (I’m a “gaijin” too) think I’m rude or insensitive.
Goblinopolis about 9 years ago
I only say “bless you” if they’ve covered their nose when sneezing. It’s an expression of gratitude, not a sanctification.