Blessing facts for kids

A blessing is a special way to wish someone good luck or to ask for good things to happen to them. It's like sending out positive energy or a good wish. In many religions, people believe that God or a higher power can bless them, meaning they receive special favor or good fortune. People can also bless God, showing respect and thanks.

Blessings in Religion

In different religions, blessings are an important part of rituals and ceremonies. For example, in Judaism, people often bless God when they drink wine. This is a way to show thanks and respect.

Priests or religious leaders can also bless objects. When an object is blessed, it becomes holy or special for religious use. This makes the object important in religious practices.

Why We Say "Bless You" After a Sneeze

Have you ever wondered why people say "bless you" when someone sneezes? This common phrase comes from an old superstition. Long ago, some people believed that when you sneeze, your soul might try to leave your body through your mouth or nose.

To prevent this, people would quickly say "God bless you." They thought this would help the soul stay inside or return safely. Over time, it became shorter, just "bless you." It's a way of wishing someone good health and good luck after they sneeze.

When Good Things Happen

Sometimes, if something really good or amazing happens, people might call it a blessing. It's like a special gift or a miracle that brings great joy. For example, if a couple has wanted a child for a long time and finally has one, they might see it as a blessing from God. It means something wonderful happened that they are very thankful for.

Giving Your Blessing

The phrase "to give your blessing" means to give someone your permission or approval. It shows that you support their decision or plan. For instance, if a man wants to marry his girlfriend, he might ask her parents for their blessing. This means he is asking for their approval and support for the marriage.

Blessings and Curses

A blessing is often seen as the opposite of a curse. While a curse is a wish for bad things to happen, a blessing is a wish for good things to happen. They are two very different kinds of wishes.

Images for kids

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  Blessing Dmitry Ivanovich, 1919, by Aleksandr Novoskol'cev

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  Isaac Blessing Jacob, painting by Govert Flinck (Rijksmuseum Amsterdam)

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  Position in which a Jewish kohen places his hands and fingers during the Priestly Blessing, detail of a mozaic in the Synagoge of Enschede, Netherlands

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  First Communion

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  Aarti.

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  Hindu priest giving blessing.

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  Replica of an image at the Sanchi gate at Chaitya Bhoomi, which shows a devotion scene involving a Buddhist stupa.

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  A traditional Hawaiian blessing during a groundbreaking ceremony

See also

In Spanish: Bendición para niños