Sneezing is a common bodily function, and in many English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, it’s almost always followed by the phrase “Bless you!” But have you ever stopped to wonder why we say “Bless you” when someone sneezes? This seemingly automatic response has roots that stretch back centuries and involve a mix of superstition, health concerns, and evolving social customs.
The habit of saying “Bless you” is deeply ingrained in American culture and, to a lesser extent, in other English-speaking regions. While the proper response to “Bless you” is simply “Thank you,” the origin of the phrase itself is far more complex and intriguing than a simple polite exchange. There isn’t one definitive answer, but rather several fascinating theories about where this custom originated.
One popular theory traces the saying back to ancient beliefs about the soul and the act of sneezing. It was once thought that a sneeze could cause your soul to be expelled from your body. Saying “God bless you,” or the shortened “Bless you,” was believed to act as a protective charm, preventing evil spirits or the devil from snatching the temporarily displaced soul. In this context, “Bless you” served as a form of spiritual protection against potential harm believed to be associated with sneezing.
Another prominent explanation is linked 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. During a time of immense fear and religious fervor, uttering “God Bless You” to someone who sneezed was less about soul-snatching and more about offering a blessing to someone who might be showing early signs of a deadly illness. It was a benediction for someone who might soon be facing death, a desperate hope for divine intervention in a time of widespread mortality.
While these historical and superstitious origins are fascinating, the modern reason for saying “Bless you” is much simpler. Today, it’s largely a matter of politeness and social custom. The phrase has evolved beyond its original meanings and is now primarily a common courtesy. Saying “Bless you” after someone sneezes is generally considered the polite and expected thing to do in many social situations in the United States. It’s a verbal acknowledgement of the sneeze, similar to saying “Excuse me” after bumping into someone – a small social nicety rather than a genuine invocation of divine blessing or a ward against evil.
Interestingly, there’s also an alternative response to sneezing that’s sometimes heard in America: “Gesundheit.” This word, borrowed from German, directly translates to “health.” Its presence in American English is a result of the large waves of German immigrants who came to the United States. Many Americans who use “Gesundheit” may not even be aware of its German origin or its literal meaning, using it interchangeably with “Bless you” as a customary response to a sneeze. It serves a similar social function, wishing the sneezer well, albeit with a more secular focus on health rather than spiritual blessing.
In conclusion, while the phrase “Bless you” after a sneeze might seem like a simple, almost automatic reaction today, its roots are embedded in historical beliefs about the soul and health crises like the bubonic plague. Over time, the phrase has transitioned from a potential ward against evil or a blessing against death to a common expression of politeness. Whether you say “Bless you” or “Gesundheit,” these responses highlight the fascinating evolution of language and social customs surrounding everyday actions like sneezing.
