Words of Interest

Number 21.

Medieval sneezing rhyme

computer on wheels
One's a wish.
Two's a kiss.
Three's a disappointment.
Four's a letter;
Five's something better.
Six is a journey to go.

To sneeze on Monday hastens anger.
Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger.
Sneeze on Wednesday, sneeze for a letter.
Sneeze on Thursday, something better.
Sneeze on Friday, give a gift.
Sneeze on Saturday, get a gift.
Sneeze on Sunday before you break your fast,
You'll see your true love before a week is past.

Sneezing in general meant that the gods had noticed you, so it was a happy omen. It was also thought that at when you sneezed you were vulnerable to demons and to prevent this people would bless the sneezer by saying "bless you".


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