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Show Page HILL TOP TIMES 6 November 19, 1976 it! (dl Ilk O IT 1 SUL Understanding The Common The winter flu and cold season is upon us, and with it comes many a "sudden, violent, spasmodic and audible expiration of breath," which is how Webster defines "the sneeze." But whatever the definition, there are several facts and many superstitions associated with sneezing. In a number of countries, a sneeze evokes a verbal response. For example, in Germany, one says, "Gesundheit"; in France, "Que Dieu vous venisse"; and in England and the United States, "God bless you." It all began back in the time when man believed that the basic essence of life-s- pirit or soul resided in the head in the form of air or breath which could be accidentally expelled for a short time, or forever, by a sneeze. Some people believed that sneezing represented an intrusion into the body of foreign objects or beings, such as evil spirits, ghosts, fairies, gnomes or demons. These beings, it was thought, jumped out when a sneeze took place. If you get the flu and believe as the ancient Greeks did you might improve your fortune. They believed that sneezing to the left was unlucky but to the right was a sign of immediate prosperity or good fortune. So sneeze to the right, unless there happens to be someone there. The Greek philosopher Aristotle explained sneezing as an emotion of the brain there is the superstition that an idiot cannot sneeze; so take heart flu sufferers, you may be more intelligent than you think. The Romans looked upon f! J,J;riwf good health"; "Jupiter tect you." y1xJ lw self-protecti- lf ! j ' L ' x ' UeosieMi 'v LITTLE OYER, !- ,!-- iOWE - -- WELL HWf TOSeE WELL VJUiT iwE I THE OTHER Will JSxi MJl j"Y A V I will njk. VJAY THEti - V ) on '.-- . Wilis e &" .... -w - vs v adopted, according to some historians, by the Christian world from the pagans. About 300 years ago in England, orders were issued to discharge from the hospital every patient who sneezed three times because of the superstition that he would get well. During the same period in the year 1685, rules of etiquette instructed common people how to react if a person of title sneezed: "If the lordship happens to sneeze, you should not cry out 'God bless you, sir', but doffing your hat, you should bow low to him handsomely and make the observation to yourself." In old China, if your friend was about to snccc, you clasped your hands and bowed solemnly until the quietly expressed the hope that the bones of his illustrious ancestor had not been disturbed or rattled by the demon. sneeze-provokin- g To the Zulus of South readers of the Sunday funnies were entertained by Winsor McCay who drew the delightful and highly detailed LITTLE SAMMY SNEEZE feature. Each week Sammy would let loose his tiny, but violent, spasm and destroy an intricate shop or structure. No one ever said "God bless you" to Sammy. In the early 1900s Africa, sneezing on the threshold of a house was considered good luck, whereas the Hebrews believed that sneezing was an impediment to good work. When a workman starting a new job heard a snccc, he was to quit work immediately to start afresh later. Superstition aside, it is important to remember that infection can spread through the sneeze. Medical science has found that about 20,000 droplets are expelled with an initial velocity of about 150 feet per yourself by reciting the second. The larger droplets upon evaporating behave much like particles of smoke and remain sunended in the air for a long period of time. They can, for example, get into air ducts and permeate an entire building. If you arc stifling a sneeze with your hand, wash your hand immediately because you can pass the flu or cold "bug" following ditty: "Sneeze on Monday, sneeze for danger; Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger; Sneeze on Wednesday, receive a letter; Sneeze on Thursday, something better; Sneeze on Friday, sneeze for sorrow; Sneeze on Saturday, sec your lover tomorrow; Sneeze on Sunday, your safety seek, through contact. If all else fails, keep taking aspirin, according to dosage directions, get plenty of rest, and stay away from others. Perhaps you can amuse Or the Devil will have you for the rest of the week." Don't list your party 'A contributing factor' Holiday parties will be in full swing soon. When you host a holiday party this season will you be a friend or foe? Be a friend and good host Select a convenient location for your party. Don't force your friends to drive long distances after the party. Should the weather turn sour before the party, don't be araid to cancel it. - . Provide an adequate supply of nonalcoholic drinks for your guests. Plan to serve something to eat. Food will not keep a person sober, but it will slow down the drinking rate. Mix drinks properly. Too much alcohol can ruin a drink, not to mention the person drinking it. Encourage your friends to drink less. Never force drinks on a guest and forget that "one for the road'' business. Don't serve people when they've had loo much to drink. lrovide a place for people to spend the night if they desire. Your base recreation supply has cots and sleeping bags if you need them. Only time can sober a person who has had loo much to Kveryt.iing advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase use or patronage without regard to the race, creed, color, national origin or sex of the purchasrr. A ! pro- The custom of uttering words of blessing or after a sneeze eventually spread over Europe. That such superstitions were to be taken seriously is summed up in the expression, "Not to be sneezed at!" Saying "God bless you" was Friends or Foes user, or patron. I'll1 ar, M XSuA' :CEZL? " sneezing as so dire a symptom that a short prayer was offered to one of the gods when it occurred. Expressions used included, "Long may you live"; "May you enjoy sneeze was over. Then you which suddenly expels through the nostrils whatever foreign or offensive substance that may have crept in. A sneeze was an indication of the brain's vigor. Even today HOSTS: (Bless You) confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will drink, so encourage your friends to remain for at least an hour after their final drink. A cup of coffee, tea or even milk may encourage them to stay awhile. Perhaps they'll even help you clean up! Keep an eye on the weather. Should it turn bad. close the bar and send your guests home early. It's your party and no one can tell you how to host it. But how will you feel if your party is listed as a "contributing factor" on an accident report. Parties are fun, but wakes are not. Think about it - friend. result in tlie refusal to print advertising from that source. MorMedia Sales. Inc., Telephone Ogden Layton. 391-965- Sorry clasified by mail only: P.O. lio 5; m, Kaysville, 3fi-50G- 5; UahBin?7. or Salt Lake C'itv. 27i-165- 0. |