We’ve all seen this happen, you’re about to leave the house for an important exam, a job interview, or even a trip, and someone sneezes. Immediately, an elder says, “Wait a bit, it’s a bad sign!” It feels strange, almost funny, that a simple sneeze could decide how the rest of the day will go. But like many superstitions, this one has roots in old traditions and practical wisdom.
Long ago, sneezing was often connected with weakness or illness. If someone sneezed before starting a journey, it could mean they weren’t well enough to travel. People also saw sneezing as a sudden interruption, something unexpected that could disturb the flow of what was about to begin. And in times when life was uncertain and travel was risky, even a small pause could save someone from danger or failure. So, instead of explaining all this, elders simply wrapped it into a belief: don’t start anything important right after a sneeze.
Even today, many of us hesitate if a sneeze happens just before stepping out. Deep down, it isn’t really about “bad luck.” It’s more about taking a moment of caution, slowing down, and preparing ourselves. In a way, the superstition acts as a reminder to pause and think. Maybe that’s why it has lasted through generations, it adds a layer of comfort and meaning to something as ordinary as a sneeze.
