Itchy snitch
If your nose itches, the saying is, ‘Be kissed, be cursed or shake hands with a fool.’ At least, that is what I remember. However, in Wiltshire, the response is, ‘Should your nose itch you will either be kissed, cursed, vexed, run against a gatepost, or shake hands with a fool,’ whereas in Norfolk, the saying is, ‘If your nose itches you'll hear some news: left side – ‘bad', right side – ‘good', or you will be kissed by a fool.’
I can find neither rhyme nor reason for these sayings – they’re just nonsense. They must have started somewhere, but under what circumstances?
An itchy nose is sometimes a precursor to a sneeze.
Sneezing had several explanations in less enlightened times. In the Middle Ages people believed that sneezing rid the body of evil spirits, or that the body was laid open to the Devil to make his entrance, overcome and take possession of the sneezer.
During the Black Death in the 14th century in Europe, sneezing was a worrying symptom that might lead to bubonic plague. That was a natural and logical reaction.
Meanwhile, the Christian church believed the heart stopped during a sneeze and some people still believe that a person is closest to sudden death while sneezing.
None of these seem to lead logically or seamlessly to being kissed, cursed or shaking hands with a fool! That is, apart from bubonic plague, which would certainly be a curse.
When my nose itches I know it is hayfever season! Many sneezes and headaches are about to happen.
ReplyDeleteNo surprises for you, then.
DeleteIt seems as if being kissed by a fool or shaking hands with a fool was a bad thing. Why would anyone wish that on a family member, friend or workmate?
ReplyDeleteIt was more a case of what might happen, rather than wishing any of it on anyone.
DeleteThey were correct about sneezing spreading bubonic plague.
ReplyDeleteNo antibiotics then - but now, we need more effective ones.
DeleteMy nose itched and I sneezed just as I clicked on your blog! It was a right side itch so hoping for good things!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed :-)
DeleteI read that people actually died from sneezing with brain matter coming out of the nose
ReplyDelete:-((
DeleteItchy nose - just scratch it!!
ReplyDeleteNever heard those saying before but I like them! xx
It's something I grew up with in Kent from my Hampshire mother!
ReplyDeleteAmusing and interesting - TQ x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Thank you, Alison.
DeleteIt’s fascinating how folklore and superstitions can vary so widely by region, even for something as simple as an itchy nose. These sayings probably started as playful or whimsical ways to make sense of everyday occurrences and superstitions, reflecting the cultures and beliefs of the times.
ReplyDeleteHistorically, sneezing was indeed surrounded by many superstitions. The idea that sneezing could be linked to evil spirits or illness like the Black Death reflects how societies tried to make sense of health and luck. It’s intriguing how such superstitions evolved into these quirky sayings, which are often more about cultural charm than any real cause-and-effect logic.
It seems like many of these sayings are just a fun way to interpret a common, everyday experience through the lens of local folklore. Maybe the connection between sneezing and being kissed or cursed is more about adding a bit of drama to the mundane than anything else!
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Thank you, Melody.
DeleteFascinating. I had heard saying 'God Bless you' was to do with the plague because it was one of the symptoms and that's what people said to someone who had sneezed, but not the other info. Thanks for another very interesting article.
ReplyDeleteAt heart, we're all rather superstitious, I think;-)
DeleteI had come cross the stories re - itchy palms, but not itchy noses!
ReplyDeletehttps://people.howstuffworks.com/itchy-palms-superstition.htm
All the best Jan
I had forgotten about itchy palms - to do with money, I think? Off to read your link, for which, thank you:-)
DeleteLet's hope these sayings are just nonsense, as my nose itches quite often :-) xxx
ReplyDeleteDon't let superstition be your guide ;-)
DeleteAn itchy nose means you're going to have a fight. An itchy palm means you're going to come into money.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard that first one before.
Delete