It’s a common scenario across the United States and many other English-speaking countries: someone sneezes, and almost automatically, those around them respond with “Bless you!” But have you ever stopped to wonder why we say “Bless you” when someone sneezes? This seemingly simple phrase has roots that stretch back centuries, intertwined with superstition, deadly disease, and evolving social customs.
One popular theory traces the origin of “Bless you” to ancient beliefs about the very act of sneezing. In times when medical understanding was limited, a sneeze was often seen as more than just a bodily function. Some believed that a sneeze could expel your soul from your body, leaving you vulnerable to evil spirits. Saying “God bless you,” or simply “Bless you,” was thought to offer a form of protection against the devil snatching the newly dislodged soul. This explanation highlights a time when the world was seen as a much more mysterious and precarious place, where everyday actions could have spiritual consequences.
Another widely cited origin story connects the phrase to the devastating bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century. Known as the Black Death, this plague was highly fatal, and sneezing was an early symptom of the disease. In this context, saying “God bless you” wasn’t just a superstitious reaction; it was a genuine benediction, a prayer for someone who might soon be facing death. It was a way to offer comfort and hope in a time of widespread fear and mortality, a quick blessing for someone whose health might be in serious jeopardy.
While these historical origins are fascinating, the primary reason we continue to say “Bless you” today is largely due to social convention. Over time, the phrase has evolved into a common courtesy, a polite and almost reflexive response to someone sneezing. It’s less about warding off evil spirits or fearing the plague, and more about acknowledging the sneeze and offering a kind gesture. In modern society, it’s simply considered the polite and considerate thing to do.
Interestingly, “Bless you” isn’t the only phrase used in response to a sneeze. In America, you might also hear “Gesundheit,” a German word meaning “health.” This alternative greeting arrived in the United States with waves of German immigrants. Many Americans who use “Gesundheit” are unaware of its German origins or its literal meaning, simply recognizing it as another acceptable response to a sneeze, much like “Bless you.”
So, the next time you sneeze or hear someone else sneeze and reflexively say “Bless you,” remember that this simple phrase carries a rich history. From warding off evil to offering blessings during times of plague, and now simply as a polite custom, saying “Bless you” is a small but culturally significant act with a surprisingly deep and varied past.
