<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 re-start . By this act the "bad thing" passes and one will be saved . This is observed in Indian culture as well . </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>

The origin of saying god bless you when someone sneezes