Why do we say "health" after a sneeze?

A sneezing person releases air through the nose with a speed that can reach 70 km / h. It is not possible to sneeze without making a movement with the head forward and very difficult to remain with the eyes open. So much so, that there is a popular legend that points out that if you sneeze with your eyes open, they could fall off their orbits.

The origins of the expression "health"
In several primitive cultures , the action of sneezing was related to death. When sneezing, the soul of the person and, therefore, his own life, escaped with the air expelled. For this reason we say "health" as a way to protect the person who sneezes from the danger that crosses at that moment. The English say "God bless you" instead of " health ".
Roman Catholics are considered popularizers of the use of the blessing once a sneeze has been made. However, the habit of saying "health" began around the year 590 in times when the plague began to wreak havoc on the European continent. It was there that Pope Gregory the Great ordered prayers and supplications with the aim of overcoming the plague .

Those who do not accept this custom at the time of sneezing, on the other hand, point out that it is not polite, but quite the opposite, since it is more like a simple joke than an explicit desire for health and well-being .

Other meanings of sneezing
In some countries it is understood that if a person sneezes twice in a row, it is a sign that another person is talking about him. If you do it in the middle of a conversation it is synonymous with lying. The time of day when you sneeze is also important: if you sneeze in the morning before breakfast it is a sign that you will receive a gift or good news but if you do it on Sunday night good luck will not accompany you. If it is a newborn that sneezes, then it is augury of very good fortune.