We say "God bless" when someone sneezes due to old superstitions and beliefs about the nature of sneezing and its potential spiritual dangers.
Historical and Spiritual Beliefs
The tradition of saying "God bless" after a sneeze is not a modern practice; it stems from beliefs held centuries ago. Here's a breakdown of those beliefs:
- Soul Vulnerability: It was once believed that a person's soul would temporarily leave their body during a sneeze. This left the individual vulnerable to being captured by the devil or evil spirits.
- Expelling Evil: On the other hand, some also believed that a sneeze expelled evil spirits from the body. The blessing, in this context, acted as a protective measure to prevent those spirits from re-entering.
- Protection and Well-being: Consequently, offering a blessing after a sneeze was intended to protect the person from any harmful spiritual influences and wish them well.
Evolution of the Phrase
While the original beliefs surrounding sneezing have largely faded, the tradition of saying "God bless you" (or a similar expression) has endured as a social custom. Here's how this custom developed:
- From Fear to Politeness: Over time, the initial fear associated with sneezing diminished. Yet, the practice of offering a blessing continued, transforming from a genuine concern into a polite expression.
- Cultural Significance: The phrase became ingrained in cultures worldwide, often used as a reflex response to a sneeze.
- Secular Adaptations: Modern variations include saying "bless you" or "gesundheit" (German for health), reflecting a shift from a religious invocation to a more general well-wishing.
Summary
| Belief | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Soul Leaving Body | Soul was thought to be vulnerable to being captured by evil. |
| Expulsion of Evil Spirits | The sneeze was viewed as releasing evil spirits. |
| Blessing as Protection | "God bless" was meant to prevent spirits from re-entering. |
| Cultural Shift | Over time, this became a polite expression, transitioning from fear to custom. |
In conclusion, the saying "God bless" after a sneeze comes from ancient beliefs regarding the vulnerability of the soul during the act and the potential expulsion of evil spirits. It evolved from a protective measure to a common social politeness.
