respiratory health

Why is Health answered to a sneeze?

Respond to the sneeze of others with the wish: "Salute!" is considered by most a gesture of good education.

The birth of this custom dates back to the Middle Ages, a period scourged by fatal epidemics. Among these, the black plague could give its sneeze among its very first signs. Hence the habit of wishing: "Salute!" to those who have just sneezed.

To be sure, etiquette requires that those who sneeze in public should apologize, while prohibiting, as unpolished, responding: "Health"; this is because the vocal recall focuses even more the attention of those present on the person who has just sneezed, being able to create embarrassment.