When someone sneezes, it’s almost automatic in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, to hear someone say “Bless you!” This common phrase, often said without a second thought, has a history as intriguing as it is varied. While it’s a standard polite reaction today, its roots delve into beliefs about health, superstition, and even deadly plagues.
Delving into the Historical Origins
The exact origin of saying “bless you” after a sneeze is not definitively known, but several theories offer compelling explanations. One prominent theory dates back to ancient times when people held superstitious beliefs about the act of sneezing itself. It was once thought that a sneeze could expel one’s soul from the body. In this context, saying “God bless you,” or the shortened “Bless you,” was seen as a protective measure. It was believed to ward off evil spirits or the devil from snatching the soul that was momentarily vulnerable during a sneeze. This blessing was a form of spiritual safeguarding against potential harm believed to be associated with this bodily function.
Another widely cited origin story takes us to the Middle Ages and the devastating bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death. During the 14th century in Europe, this plague was rampant and often fatal. Sneezing was recognized as a prominent symptom of the disease. In a time of immense fear and high mortality, uttering “God bless you” became a benediction for someone who might be exhibiting a sign of a deadly illness and whose life could be in immediate danger. It was a prayer for divine intervention and a blessing in the face of potential death.
From Superstition to Social Politeness
While these historical explanations offer fascinating insights into the possible beginnings of the phrase, the primary reason “bless you” persists today is simply politeness. Over time, the phrase has transitioned from its superstitious and health-related origins into a common social custom. It’s now largely considered the courteous and appropriate response when someone sneezes. Saying “bless you” is a way to acknowledge the sneeze and offer a kind, albeit often unconscious, gesture of goodwill. It’s a social nicety, much like saying “excuse me” after burping or “thank you” for a favor.
The German Alternative: “Gesundheit”
Interestingly, “Bless you” isn’t the only phrase used in response to a sneeze in the United States. You might also hear “Gesundheit,” which is a German word directly translating to “health.” This alternative phrase arrived in America with the influx of German immigrants. “Gesundheit” carries a similar sentiment to “bless you,” wishing good health upon the sneezer. Many English speakers who use “Gesundheit” are unaware of its German origin and simply recognize it as another acceptable response to a sneeze, interchangeable with “bless you.”
In conclusion, while the phrase “Bless you” spoken after a sneeze may seem like a simple, almost automatic reaction today, its roots are embedded in fascinating historical beliefs and events. From ancient superstitions about the soul to the grim realities of the bubonic plague, the phrase’s origins are varied and intriguing. However, in contemporary society, saying “bless you” is largely a matter of social etiquette – a polite and customary response that has outlived its original, more profound connotations.
