It’s a common reaction in the United States: someone sneezes, and almost automatically, another person responds with “Bless you!” or “God bless you.” This custom, while prevalent in the US, may be observed less frequently in other English-speaking countries. But where did this ingrained phrase come from?
The exact origins of saying “Bless you” after a sneeze are shrouded in some mystery, with several compelling theories attempting to explain its beginnings.
One prominent theory traces back to ancient beliefs surrounding the human soul. It was once thought that a sneeze could expel one’s soul from the body. In this vulnerable moment, saying “God bless you” was believed to act as a form of protection, preventing evil spirits or the devil from snatching the temporarily departed soul. This blessing served as a spiritual safeguard during a moment of perceived vulnerability.
Another widely cited origin story is linked to the devastating bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. During this era of the Black Death, sneezing was a significant symptom of the deadly illness. Given the high mortality rate and the pervasive religious beliefs of the time, uttering “God bless you” became a benediction, a prayer offered for someone who might soon face death. It was a compassionate phrase hoping for divine favor in the face of a terrifying and often fatal disease.
In contemporary society, the deeper, historical meanings are largely forgotten. Saying “Bless you” has primarily evolved into a common courtesy, a polite social reflex. It’s now mostly considered the standard and appropriate response to someone sneezing, a verbal acknowledgment that is more about social etiquette than spiritual intervention.
Interestingly, there’s a linguistic alternative used by some Americans: “Gesundheit.” This word, borrowed from German, directly translates to “health.” Its presence in American English is a direct result of significant German immigration to the United States. Many English speakers who use “Gesundheit” are often unaware of its German roots and simply consider it another way to respond to a sneeze, much like “Bless you,” but with a more secular connotation focused on well-being.
Proper Response: A simple “Thank you!” remains the universally accepted and appropriate reply to either “Bless you” or “Gesundheit.”
