Have you ever wondered why it’s almost automatic to say “Bless you” when someone around you sneezes? This common phrase, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries, is more than just a polite reflex. Let’s delve into the interesting origins and evolution of this widespread custom.
While a simple “Thank you” is the standard polite response, the reasons behind saying “Bless you” are rooted in a mix of historical beliefs and cultural shifts. There isn’t one definitive answer, but several theories offer compelling insights into why this tradition has persisted.
Tracing Back to Superstition and the Soul
One popular theory dates back to ancient times when people held various superstitions about sneezing. It was once believed that a sneeze could cause your soul to be expelled from your body. Saying “God bless you,” or simply “Bless you,” was thought to act as a protective charm. This blessing was intended to prevent evil spirits or the devil from snatching the soul of the person who had just sneezed during this vulnerable moment. In this context, “Bless you” served as a form of spiritual safeguarding.
The Bubonic Plague and a Blessing for Survival
Another widely cited origin story is linked to the devastating bubonic plague, or Black Death, that swept through Europe in the 14th century. This deadly disease, highly prevalent during the Middle Ages, often presented with sneezing as a prominent symptom. Given the high mortality rate of the plague, a sneeze could be an ominous sign. In such dire times, uttering “God Bless You” was less about superstition and more about offering a genuine benediction to someone who might be facing a life-threatening illness. It was a quick prayer for health and survival in a period of widespread death and fear.
Modern Politeness and Social Habit
Today, while most people aren’t consciously thinking about souls escaping or the plague when they say “Bless you,” the phrase has largely become a matter of common courtesy and social etiquette. It’s simply considered the polite and customary response to a sneeze in many cultures. The original meanings may have faded for many, but the ingrained habit of saying “Bless you” continues as a social nicety. It’s a verbal acknowledgement of the sneeze and a minor social ritual that people participate in without necessarily pondering its historical weight.
The German Alternative: "Gesundheit"
Interestingly, “Bless you” isn’t the only response you might hear. Another common phrase, particularly in the United States, is “Gesundheit.” This word is German and directly translates to “health.” Its presence in American English is a result of significant German immigration to the United States over centuries. Many English speakers use “Gesundheit” without even realizing its German origin or its literal meaning. It serves a very similar purpose to “Bless you,” expressing good wishes related to health after a sneeze.
The custom of saying “bless you” when someone sneezes is a fascinating example of how historical beliefs and events can shape everyday language and social customs. From ancient superstitions about the soul to responses to deadly plagues, the phrase has evolved from a protective blessing to a standard expression of politeness. Whether you say “Bless you” or “Gesundheit,” you’re participating in a tradition with surprisingly deep and varied roots.
