Gesundheit! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Aristotle

Although the custom of blessing people following a sneeze is thought to have appeared later in history, Aristotle in 'Problems' addresses the issue of blessing those who sneeze. He says that although other forms of breaking wind may be 'dirty' or as a 'reproach against gluttony' the sneeze 'since it issues from the head' and is 'blameless' and is given 'honourable greeting'.

Answer: Sneezing in bright sunlight was lucky

Superstitions related to sneezing were not limited to Ancient Greece. Catullus, the Roman poet, has Cupid sneezing in "Acme and Septimus" to convey his approval of two lovers: "Love stood listening with delight,
And sneezed his auspice to the right".

Answer: Scotland

A similar belief existed in Ireland, where there was a magical cure for a 'fairystruck' child. This involved lighting a fire in a closed room (wouldn't want any fairies peeking), sprinkling the fire with herbs until it smoked and then carrying the child around the fire three times while saying an incantation and sprinkling holy water.

This was continued until the child sneezed three times, which was a sign the fairy spell was broken.

Answer: Kiss a stranger

There are a number of variations of this rhyme, one of which is
"Sneeze on Monday hastens anger,
Sneeze on Tuesday kiss a stranger,
Sneeze on Wednesday receive a letter,
Sneeze on Thursday something better,
Sneeze on Friday give a gift, Sneeze on Saturday, receive a gift,
Sneeze on Sunday before you break your fast,
You'll see your true love before a week's past"

Another variation ends "Sneeze on a Friday, sneeze for a sorrow, Sneeze on a Saturday, see you sweetheart tomorrow, Sneeze on a Sunday, bad luck with follow"

Answer: Something good is being said about you

This belief is present in Japan, China, and Vietnam - and as we also saw earlier, Ancient Greeks attached significance to how many times a person sneezed. Illustrations of this superstition can be seen in manga and anime.

Answer: Yes

Just in case you find yourself sneezing on New Year's Eve, the answer is to visit three different families, all with a different last name and ask each of them to give you a small tortoise-shaped cake which you must eat before midnight. No problems there then.

Answer: God help you!

This is believed to date back to a time when a terrible illness (possibly The Plague) swept through Iceland. A brother and sister, on observing that others in the household who had died had started by sneezing, followed their first sneeze with this exclamation. Fortunately, we must assume that at least one of them survived to pass on this custom!

Answer: False

While the common explanation as to why you close your eyes while sneezing is to keep your eyeballs in, the less grisly reality is that your eyes are held in by muscles, and are not likely to go anywhere while you sneeze - eye closing is simply a reflex.

It is in fact possible to keep your eyes open while sneezing, however it takes practice so really you must decide, is this a talent you want?

Answer: When you sneeze your heart stops

Sneezing is usually preceded by a large inhalation which increases pressure in the chest. The sneeze itself lowers the pressure. The changing pressure can influence blood flow to the heart and can result in heart rate changes, but at no stage does it stop beating. Good news then.

Answer: Yes

It is possible. The force of a sneeze is approximated to be air travelling at about 100 miles per hour. If you happen to pinch your nose closed, this can redirect this force into the Eustachian tubes and cause your eardrum to rupture, resulting in hearing loss. Luckily, this should pass, but don't make a habit of it!