Medieval Fears of Sneezing and the Soul

Medieval Europeans Believed Sneezing Could Kill Your Soul

On January 12, 1208, Pope Innocent III issued a papal decree in Rome, which inadvertently contributed to the widespread fear that sneezing could be fatal to one's soul. Historian William of Newburgh recorded this event in his book "Historia Rerum Anglicarum", highlighting the pope's concern for the spiritual well-being of his followers. Meanwhile, in England, monk and scholar John of Worcester was documenting the superstitions surrounding sneezing in his chronicles.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the phrase "God bless you" originated as a way to wish someone good health after they sneezed, with the standard story going that it was simply a polite expression. The common understanding is that this phrase has its roots in ancient cultures, where people believed that sneezing was a sign of impending illness or even death. However, this oversimplifies the complex history behind the phrase, which is deeply rooted in medieval European superstition and theology.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Richard Southern and Peter Biller have extensively researched the medieval European mindset, revealing that the fear of sneezing was closely tied to the concept of the soul's vulnerability. In 1270, the Dominican friar and scholar Thomas Aquinas wrote in his "Summa Theologica" that the soul was believed to be capable of escaping the body through various orifices, including the nose and mouth. The idea that a sneeze could create a temporary opening for the soul to escape was a pervasive fear, as noted by historian Jean-Claude Schmitt in his book "Ghosts in the Middle Ages". On November 1, 1320, the English monk and writer John of Reading recorded a sermon in which he warned his congregation about the dangers of sneezing, citing the biblical account of Job's afflictions as evidence of the soul's fragility. By examining the works of these medieval scholars and writers, it becomes clear that the phrase "God bless you" was not just a polite expression, but a genuine attempt to protect the soul from escaping during a sneeze. Scholars like Caroline Walker Bynum have also analyzed the role of women in medieval society, highlighting how they played a significant part in perpetuating these superstitions through their daily prayers and rituals. As historian Miri Rubin notes in her book "Corpus Christi", the fear of sneezing was often linked to the fear of demonic possession, further solidifying the need for a blessing to protect the soul.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Henri Pirenne and Johan Huizinga deliberately focused on the grand narratives of medieval Europe, overlooking the smaller, yet significant, stories like the superstition surrounding sneezing. The Catholic Church, with its immense influence over education and literature, also played a role in suppressing this aspect of history, as it sought to promote a more unified and orthodox understanding of Christianity. Concrete decisions, such as the exclusion of certain texts from the canon of medieval literature, were made by scholars and clergy who deemed these stories unworthy of attention. As a result, the story of why medieval Europeans believed that sneezing could let the soul escape was relegated to the footnotes of history, with many historians considering it a quaint but unimportant superstition. The lack of attention to this story can be attributed to the fact that it was not seen as a significant contributor to the major historical events of the time, and therefore, it was not thoroughly researched or documented.

The Ripple Effect

The superstition surrounding sneezing had a direct impact on the way people interacted with each other in medieval Europe. When someone sneezed, others would immediately respond with "God bless you" or "God save you," which became a common social courtesy. This practice has continued to the present day, with many people still saying "bless you" when someone sneezes, often without realizing the origins of this phrase. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the common practice of responding to a sneeze with a blessing, which can be seen in many cultures around the world. The fact that this practice has persisted for so long is a testament to the power of social conventions and the ways in which they can shape our behavior.

The Line That Says It All

The medieval European belief that sneezing could let the soul escape was a superstition that was eventually reduced to a mere social courtesy, with the phrase "God bless you" becoming a hollow but persistent echo of a long-forgotten fear.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to medieval European superstitions and social customs.