Sneezing is a common bodily function, and in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, it’s almost automatic for someone to say “Bless you!” when they hear someone sneeze. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we say this? It seems like a strange custom when you think about it.
The origins of saying “Bless you” are shrouded in history and folklore, with several theories attempting to explain this widespread practice. While no single origin is definitively confirmed, the most popular explanations trace back to times of superstition and deadly disease.
One prominent theory suggests that the phrase originated from a belief that a sneeze could cause a person to expel their soul. In ancient times, people were highly superstitious, and a sudden bodily function like a sneeze might have been seen as a moment of vulnerability. Saying “God bless you” or simply “Bless you” was thought to be a way to protect the person who sneezed from evil spirits or prevent the devil from snatching their soul as it was momentarily expelled.
Another compelling explanation links the phrase to the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, which ravaged Europe in the 14th century. During this devastating pandemic, sneezing was a prominent symptom of the disease, which was often fatal. In such a perilous time, uttering “God bless you” became a common benediction, essentially offering a blessing to someone who might be facing imminent death. It was a way to express hope for their well-being in the face of a deadly illness.
While these historical origins provide fascinating context, the modern-day usage of “Bless you” is largely divorced from its potentially superstitious or plague-related roots. Today, saying “Bless you” is primarily a matter of politeness and social custom. It’s a common courtesy, much like saying “excuse me” after burping or yawning. It acknowledges the sneeze and offers a kind, albeit brief, well-wishing gesture.
Interestingly, there’s an alternative to “Bless you” that is also used in America: “Gesundheit.” This word comes from German and directly translates to “health.” Its presence in American English is a result of German immigration to the United States. Many people who use “Gesundheit” are unaware of its German origin or that it literally means “health,” simply using it as a synonym for “Bless you.”
In conclusion, while the phrase “Bless you” after a sneeze has intriguing historical roots in superstition and deadly disease, its primary function today is one of simple politeness. It’s a linguistic vestige of older beliefs that has evolved into a common social grace in English-speaking cultures. So, the next time you sneeze, and someone says “Bless you,” you’ll know a bit more about the interesting history behind this everyday phrase.
