Blessings

[Dream]

2 questions about blessings:

1) What exactly is a blessing? How would you describe it to someone who didn't know anything about religion? (Not from this site, I mean blessings in general)

2) Is it true that people used to believe that when you would sneeze, your soul was trying to espace, thus the "God bless you," or is that just an urban legend?

 

[nyj]

2) Is it true that people used to believe that when you would sneeze, your soul was trying to espace, thus the "God bless you," or is that just an urban legend?

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgesundheit.html

If you believe The Straight Dope, the phrase "God bless you" has a Catholic origin.

 

[Dream]

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgesundheit.html

If you believe The Straight Dope, the phrase "God bless you" has a Catholic origin.

Interesting. Thanks for the link.

 

[Dream]

Bump for the sake of the first question.

 

[nyj]

1) What exactly is a blessing? How would you describe it to someone who didn't know anything about religion? (Not from this site, I mean blessings in general)

The word "blessing" has multiple meanings. However, I would imagine that the most often meant meaning for the word is : It signifies the sanctification or dedication of a person or thing to some sacred purpose.

See: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02599b.htm

 

[Paul S]

I'd explain blessings this way. First, when we bless someone, we're asking God to watch over that person, help them, and give them grace. Second, when we bless an object, it can be a sign we're setting this object apart for a holy purpose and it become different from ordinary things. It can also be a reminder of God's presence or that through the use of the object, we may receive grace from God.

 

[Dream]

I'd explain blessings this way. First, when we bless someone, we're asking God to watch over that person, help them, and give them grace. Second, when we bless an object, it can be a sign we're setting this object apart for a holy purpose and it become different from ordinary things. It can also be a reminder of God's presence or that through the use of the object, we may receive grace from God.

But isn't God always watching over everybody?

 

[Paul S]

But isn't God always watching over everybody?

Yes, but a blessing asks God for extra help.