When someone sneezes, especially in the United States, it’s almost automatic for others to respond with “Bless you!” or “God bless you.” This common phrase, while seemingly simple, has roots that stretch back centuries and touch upon beliefs ranging from the spiritual to the practical. Let’s delve into the origins of this widespread custom and understand why it continues to be a part of our everyday interactions.
The origins of saying “Bless you” are not definitively known, but several compelling theories attempt to explain its emergence. These explanations often point to historical beliefs and events that shaped the phrase’s meaning and solidified its place in social etiquette.
One prominent theory traces the phrase back to ancient superstitions. It was once believed that a sneeze could cause the soul to be expelled from the body. In such a vulnerable state, there was concern that the devil or evil spirits might seize the opportunity to snatch the soul. Therefore, saying “God bless you” or simply “Bless you” was thought to act as a protective blessing, warding off evil and ensuring the sneezer’s spiritual safety. This interpretation highlights a time when sneezes were not just seen as a bodily function but as a moment of potential spiritual risk.
Another influential origin story is linked to the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, which devastated Europe in the 14th century. During this period of widespread disease and high mortality, sneezing was recognized as a significant symptom of the plague. Given the often-fatal nature of the illness and the strong religious sentiments of the time, uttering “God bless you” became a form of benediction for someone who might be facing imminent death. It was a way to offer comfort and divine favor to those exhibiting a symptom associated with a deadly and feared disease.
While these historical explanations offer fascinating insights into the potential origins of “Bless you,” the primary reason for its continued use today is largely a matter of social politeness. In contemporary society, saying “Bless you” after someone sneezes is mainly a customary gesture of goodwill and acknowledgment. It’s a polite and almost reflexive response that has become ingrained in social etiquette, particularly in American culture. It signals empathy and a mild concern for the sneezer’s well-being, even if the original superstitious or plague-related meanings are no longer consciously considered.
Interestingly, there’s a linguistic cousin to “Bless you” that also appears in American English: “Gesundheit.” This word, borrowed from German, literally translates to “health.” Its presence in American vernacular is a result of the significant German immigration to the United States over centuries. Many Americans use “Gesundheit” interchangeably with “Bless you” without necessarily being aware of its German origin or literal meaning. It serves a similar social function, expressing a wish for good health, especially after a sneeze.
In conclusion, the phrase “God bless you” or “Bless you” in response to a sneeze carries a rich history. From potential origins in ancient soul-related superstitions to its possible association with the Black Death, the phrase’s roots are varied and intriguing. However, in modern America, saying “Bless you” is predominantly a polite social custom. It’s a verbal reflex, a brief expression of courtesy that persists as a gentle acknowledgment of a sneeze, regardless of its historical or etymological depth. The appropriate response to “Bless you,” of course, remains a simple and thankful “Thank you!”
