We say "God bless you" after someone sneezes due to a combination of historical beliefs regarding health, the soul, and warding off evil.
Historical Origins of "God Bless You" After a Sneeze
The custom of blessing someone after they sneeze has roots in various historical beliefs and events, predating modern medicine's understanding of germs and disease:
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The Plague: One common theory links the practice to the bubonic plague. Sneezing was a prominent symptom, and the phrase "God bless you" was used as a prayer to ward off the deadly disease.
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The Departing Soul: It was once believed that a person's soul momentarily left their body during a sneeze, making them vulnerable to evil spirits. Saying "God bless you" was intended to prevent the devil from capturing the soul during this vulnerable moment.
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Expulsion of Evil Spirits: Conversely, some believed that sneezing expelled evil spirits from the body. The blessing served to prevent those same spirits from re-entering.
Evolution of the Phrase
Over time, the specific reasons for saying "God bless you" may have faded from conscious thought, but the custom has persisted as a polite and socially ingrained response. It now serves as a general expression of goodwill and concern for the sneezer's well-being, regardless of the original superstitious beliefs.
Summary
The phrase "God bless you" after a sneeze originated from a mixture of ancient beliefs tying sneezes to vulnerability to disease, the temporary loss of the soul, or the expulsion of evil spirits. While the original beliefs may no longer be widely held, the custom endures as a gesture of politeness and well-wishing.
