When someone nearby sneezes, it’s almost automatic in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, to say “Bless you!” But have you ever stopped to wonder why we say this peculiar phrase? This seemingly simple custom has fascinating roots stretching back through history, touching on beliefs about the soul, deadly plagues, and evolving social etiquette.
One popular theory traces the origin of “bless you” to ancient superstitions surrounding the soul. People once believed that a sneeze could expel your soul from your body. Saying “God bless you,” or the shortened “Bless you,” was thought to act as a protective charm, preventing evil spirits or even the devil from snatching away the vulnerable, newly ejected soul. This blessing was a form of spiritual safeguarding against potential harm believed to be linked with the physical act of sneezing.
Another compelling explanation links the phrase to the bubonic plague, or Black Death, that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. During this terrifying period, sneezing was a prominent symptom of the deadly disease. Given the high mortality rate and the pervasive religious atmosphere of the Middle Ages, uttering “God Bless You” was less about preventing soul theft and more about offering a genuine benediction to someone exhibiting a symptom of a potentially fatal illness. It was a prayer for divine assistance during a time of widespread death and fear.
While these historical origins provide context, the modern usage of “bless you” is largely divorced from its superstitious or plague-related past. Today, it’s predominantly a polite social reflex. Saying “bless you” after someone sneezes is now considered good manners, a verbal acknowledgment of the sneeze and a customary expression of goodwill. It’s less about fearing for someone’s soul or their susceptibility to disease and more about adhering to established social norms and showing common courtesy.
Interestingly, “Bless you” isn’t the only verbal reaction to a sneeze. In the United States, you might also hear “Gesundheit,” a German word meaning “health.” This alternative phrase arrived with waves of German immigrants and has become integrated into American English. Many who use “Gesundheit” are unaware of its German origins or literal meaning, further highlighting how these sneeze-related phrases have become ingrained cultural habits.
So, the next time you automatically say “Bless you” after someone sneezes, remember that you’re participating in a linguistic tradition with deep and varied historical roots. From warding off evil spirits to offering blessings during times of plague, and now simply being polite, this little phrase carries a surprisingly rich and evolving story within it. And the proper response? A simple and thankful, “Thank you!”
