When someone sneezes in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, it’s almost automatic for others to say “Bless you!” This common phrase, often spoken without a second thought, has a history that stretches back centuries and involves a mix of superstition, religious belief, and evolving social customs. While the proper response is simply “Thank you,” the reasons behind this ingrained reaction are more complex and intriguing than you might expect.
Tracing the Origins of “Bless You” After a Sneeze
The exact origin of saying “bless you” after a sneeze is shrouded in some mystery, with several theories attempting to explain its beginnings. No single explanation is definitively confirmed, but the most popular theories point to historical beliefs about health, the soul, and divine intervention.
Superstition and the Soul
One prominent theory suggests that the phrase originated from ancient superstitions. People once believed that a sneeze could cause a person to expel their soul from their body. Saying “God bless you,” or the shortened “Bless you,” was thought to act as a protective blessing to prevent the devil or evil spirits from snatching the newly vulnerable soul. In this context, the blessing served as a form of spiritual safeguard during a moment of perceived vulnerability.
The Bubonic Plague and a Prayer for Health
Another widely cited origin story links the phrase to the devastating bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, that swept through Europe in the 14th century. During this period, sneezing was a significant symptom of the plague, a disease that was often fatal. In a time when medical understanding was limited and religious faith was strong, saying “God bless you” was likely a benediction or a prayer for good health for someone exhibiting a symptom of a potentially deadly illness. It was a way to offer comfort and hope in the face of widespread disease and mortality.
“Bless You” as a Modern Social Custom
While these historical explanations offer insights into the possible roots of the phrase, the primary reason for its continued use today is largely due to social politeness. Over time, the phrase has evolved from its potentially superstitious or religiously driven origins into a common courtesy. Saying “Bless you” after someone sneezes is now generally understood as simply the polite and considerate thing to do. It’s a social reflex, a verbal gesture that acknowledges the sneeze and expresses a mild form of well-wishing, regardless of belief in its literal or historical meanings.
Alternative Phrases: “Gesundheit” and Cultural Influences
Interestingly, “Bless you” isn’t the only phrase used in response to a sneeze in the United States. Another common alternative is “Gesundheit,” a German word meaning “health.” The introduction of “Gesundheit” into American English is attributed to the large influx of German immigrants to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many Americans use “Gesundheit” without necessarily knowing its German origin or literal meaning, further illustrating how customs and phrases can become integrated into a culture through immigration and social exchange.
In conclusion, while the precise origins of saying “bless you” when someone sneezes remain debated, the practice likely stems from a combination of historical superstitions and responses to widespread disease. Today, it persists primarily as a social custom, a polite and almost automatic reaction that has become deeply ingrained in English-speaking cultures, particularly in the United States.
