The Power of a Sneeze: How Ghanaian Culture Connects Sneezing to Goodluck and life

In the Ghanaian culture, sneezing is more than just a natural response; it is often seen as a powerful symbol with deeper meanings. Many believe that when you sneeze, someone somewhere is calling or thinking about you. Others are of the belief that sneezing is a sign of good luck or an omen of positive events to come. Regardless, the act of sneezing carries a weight of cultural significance. This article delves into the rich traditions and beliefs surrounding sneezing in Ghana in an attempt to uncover its connection to good fortune, life, and unseen communications. 

The first significance of sneezing in Ghanaian culture is a sign of good luck. It’s a common occurrence in many Ghanaian homes for someone to remark “good luck” whenever another person sneezes. In fact, it’s rare for someone to sneeze without hearing this phrase. Some people even joke with those who believe in this superstition, saying, “Good luck isn’t found in the nose.” However, for those who hold onto the belief, sneezing is considered an involuntary act that doesn’t happen frequently. When it does, they see it as a sign of impending good news or a positive omen, and thus respond with “good luck,” welcoming it in advance.

Sneezing is also believed to be a sign that someone, somewhere, might be mentioning your name or talking about you. Those who hold onto this belief recognize the spiritual dimension of life, acknowledging the existence of the spiritual realm. They believe that when a person is not physically present where their name is being mentioned, or where they are being talked about, their spirit responds, triggering the act of sneezing as a sign of this unseen connection.

Additionally, it is believed that when someone sneezes, they are redeeming themselves from spiritual attacks sent by individuals who may have taken their name to priests for harmful rituals. The act of sneezing is seen as a sign of victory for the spiritual forces that protect the person’s well-being, symbolizing their triumph over these negative influences.

In the Akan culture, sneezing is also regarded as a sign of life. Believers of this view hold both scientific and mythical perspectives about the act. They adhere to the myth that the heart briefly stops working when a person sneezes, a phenomenon that doesn’t even occur during sleep. For them, sneezing represents a moment when a person comes close to “death,” and successfully “returns” to life through the sneeze. As a result, they offer the remark “nkwa,” meaning “life” in Akan, as a way of calling for more life and vitality to the sneezer.

Well, regardless of these beliefs, if sneezing becomes frequent, it’s important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of a cold, catarrh, an allergic reaction, or irritation caused by dust in the nostrils. Seeking medical treatment is essential to address the underlying cause.

Whether it’s viewed as a sign of good luck, an indication that someone is talking about you or calling out your name, or a moment where life is reaffirmed, sneezing holds a special place in the hearts of many Ghanaians. These old traditions and interpretations highlight the cultural significance of even the most ordinary acts in Ghana and serve as a testament to the fact that Ghanaians hold a variety of fascinating beliefs.

Author: Ebenezer Kobinah Offen
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah