We say "God bless you" when someone sneezes due to a combination of historical beliefs and cultural practices.
Historical Beliefs and the Practice of Blessing
The tradition of saying "God bless you" after a sneeze is rooted in historical beliefs surrounding health, spirits, and divine protection.
Ancient Superstitions
- Ancient cultures often associated sneezing with the expulsion of evil spirits or a dangerous loss of life force.
- The act of blessing was thought to prevent the re-entry of those evil spirits or to restore the lost vital energy.
The Bubonic Plague
As stated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) International Students Office, the phrase may have originated in 14th-century Europe during the bubonic plague. During this period, sneezing was a sign of a serious illness. Uttering "God bless you" after someone sneezed was an attempt to invoke divine protection against the disease.
Modern Context
While the original reasons may be rooted in superstition, the practice of saying "God bless you" is still continued in many cultures today. It has evolved into a polite gesture and a custom, indicating concern for the other person's well-being.
- It is largely a social reflex.
- It's viewed as a kind gesture of good will and respect.
Summary
In summary, the practice of saying "God bless you" when someone sneezes is a custom with roots in both ancient superstitions and historical health crises. It has since become a common social courtesy to express goodwill and concern. Specifically, the practice was believed to protect individuals from evil spirits that were thought to be expelled during a sneeze, and it was also an act of asking for divine protection during the bubonic plague where sneezing was a potential symptom of the disease.
