<P> In some cultures, sneezing is seen as a sign of good fortune or God's beneficence . As such, alternative responses to sneezing are the French phrase à vos souhaits (meaning "to your wishes"), the German word Gesundheit (meaning "health") sometimes adopted by English speakers, the Irish word sláinte (meaning "good health"), the Spanish salud (also meaning "health") and the Hebrew laBri'ut (colloquial) or liVriut (classic) (both spelled: "לבריאות") (meaning "to health"). </P> <P> In Persian culture, sneezing sometimes is called "sabr = صبر," meaning "to wait or be patient ." And when trying to do something or go somewhere and suddenly sneezing, one should stop or sit for a few minutes and then restart . By this act the "bad thing" passes and one will be saved . </P> <P> In Greek culture, sneezing was widely recognized as a divine omen . In Book 17 of Homer's Odyssey, Penelope speaks to Eumaeus in private about the suitors feasting in the halls of the king's palace, and how surely Odysseus will return and kill them . Suddenly her son Telemachus sneezes and Penelope laughed . A sneeze meant the intercession of the gods to make her statement come true . It was a blessing from the gods, connecting the sneeze to the "God Bless You ." </P>

Where did bless you come from when someone sneezes