Fashion history and the sneeze

[Morningsmith]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/3/messages/83.html

The suggestion here is that in 17th century Europe, with the discovery of tobacco (and thus snuff), frequent sneezing became a marker of high social status (the "it" people were those who could afford snuff). The idea that snuff-taking was itself aristocratic makes perfect sense, what with the jewelled snuff boxes and all. But what do people think about the idea that sneezing itself was paired with good breeding? Is this something anyone has heard of before? Seems like it would be...

If it's true, it would certainly revitalize my interest in the costume drama!

[*GOR*]

I have heard this too, but have also heard that during the 16th century sneezing was a sign that the Black Plague, caused by the fleas on the black rats of London was spreading, however sneezing had nothing to do with it. If anything, sneezing would expell such germs from the human body, so do you think people realised this and therefore thought sneezing was a good thing?