What’s the Origin of Saying ‘Bless You’ After a Sneeze?

Have you ever sneezed only to be immediately showered with a “Bless you!” from some well-meaning soul nearby? It seems almost reflexive, the way “Bless you” swoops in after a sneeze like some sort of conversational superhero. This custom has nestled itself into the fabric of everyday life, but why do people feel compelled to bless each other after such an unremarkable event as expelling air from the nose at high velocity?

The origins of this post-sneeze blessing are shrouded in the mists of time and, depending on whom you ask, range from the practical to the deeply spiritual. One rumor has it that back in the day, folks believed a sneeze was the soul’s equivalent of a jailbreak attempt, so they tossed out a quick “Bless you” to ward off any opportunistic evil spirits lurking about. Another suggests that during the less-than-cheerful times of the bubonic plague, sneezing was a sign that you might soon be meeting your maker, so “Bless you” was like a miniature last rites service.

A Sneeze Through History

When someone sneezes, the echoes of ancient superstitions and fears reverberate through history with a surprisingly loud “achoo!” The simple sneeze has been a trigger for health blessings and protective rituals for millennia. They’ve been trying to figure out the best way to say “Gesundheit!” since the times when togas were all the rage.

Ancient Sneezetiquette

It seems that long before sneezing became a social cue for offering tissues or awkwardly avoiding someone’s spray zone, it was a serious spiritual and health event. For many cultures, a sneeze wasn’t just an expulsion of air, but rather of one’s soul. This evoked a fear that evil spirits might rush in to fill the vacuum, so they threw blessings around like confetti at a parade in hopes of keeping those pesky spirits at bay. During the bubonic plague, sneezing was a sign of possible impending doom. Cue Pope Gregory I, who decided that a miniature prayer in the form of “Bless you!” would work like a spiritual safety net against the disease.

Pliny the Sneezer

Now, let’s journey back to 1st century Rome where Pliny the Elder wasn’t just dabbling in encyclopedias but also in pondering over sneezes. He noted that sneezing is a vital reset for the brain and that it could positively affect one’s health. A good sneeze was like a reset button for the body — presto change-o, heart rhythm restored! And if the stars were aligned, a sneeze could even ward off pesky illnesses. So, while today we might follow up a sneeze with a polite “Thank you,” back then, it was more about not turning into a spiritual vacuum cleaner or dodging imminent death.

The Superstitious Sneezefest

When someone unleashes a sneeze, an assortment of superstitions come into play, involving sneaky souls, demonic dangers, and blessings that serve as spiritual shields.

Evil Spirits and the Sneezy Soul

In times steeped in superstition, a sneeze was not just a tickle in one’s nose; it was thought to expel the soul from the body. With the soul momentarily evicted, one was vulnerable—open house for evil spirits to move in! Early belief posited that the devil or other malevolent forces could snatch the soul or cause harm while it was unguarded. Cue the “Bless you!” interjection—a plea for divine protection during these risky respiratory moments. Traditions from the past suggested that by blessing the sneezer, others could help to safeguard the soul from any spectral hijinks.

Blessings to Ward Off the Devil

The pairing of sneezes and sinister forces did not wane with the ages. In the era of the bubonic plague, a sneeze could signal the onset of this deadly disease—thus ramping up the stakes. “Bless you!” became a potent phrase, a verbal shield cast in the direction of the sneezer. While doubts remain about the connection to the plague, the idea prevailed that blessings were a sort of spiritual disinfectant, meant to cleanse the air of any demonic presence that might wish to take advantage of a sneezing spree. Whether it was through religious conviction or superstition, the custom of invoking a blessing persisted. It became a cultural reflex to thank or bless someone after their soul had done a somersault out of their nostrils.

The Global Gesundheitage

When someone sneezes, from the skyscrapers of New York to the tavernas of Greece, there’s a symphony of well-wishes, a fun blend of superstition and social etiquette spun into phrases that extend beyond simple “Bless you.”

From ‘Salud’ to ‘Noroc’

Let’s take an international tour without leaving our seats! In Spain, “Salud”—meaning health—is the popular chorus following a sneeze. It’s not just a wish; it’s like a mini Health Day celebration for your nose! Skip over to Romania, and “Noroc” echos, which ironically means good luck. Perhaps the Romanians are onto something – one might need all the luck in the world to survive cold season.

• Spanish: Salud (Health)
• Romanian: Noroc (Good luck)

Sneezes Around the World

Globetrotters will tell you that sneezes don’t need a visa to cross borders. They’re universal, and so is responding to them! In Germany, the phrase is “Gesundheit”, whereas in the Netherlands, they’ll offer up a hearty “Gezondheid”—both meaning health. And if you find yourself sneezing in the company of Croatians, expect to hear “Na zdravlje” which doubles as a “Cheers” when they raise their glasses. They’re efficient like that.

• German: Gesundheit (Health)
• Dutch: Gezondheid (Health)
• Croatian: Na zdravlje (To your health/cheers)

They say laughter is the best medicine, but when it comes to sneezes, words seem to do the trick across cultures. Next time you hear someone sneeze, toss out a worldly wish—it’s all in good health and even better humor!

Modern Myths and Medical Manners

In the whimsical world of post-sneeze pleasantries, tall tales intertwine with social customs, from fears of evil spirits taking roost in empty nostrils to simple signs of good breeding.

From Black Death to Black Pepper

Pollen isn’t the only historical trigger of a “bless you”; people once feared the sneeze as a harbinger of doom. In the 14th century, a sternutation could signal the arrival of the bubonic plague, or Black Death, prompting cries for divine protection. Fast forward to today, where a sneeze at the dinner table might not bring death, but perhaps a stern “excuse me” for catapulting crumbs.

Societal Sneeze Standards

Saying “bless you” has evolved from a charm against demons to a hallmark of etiquette. Contrary to the belief that one’s heart skips a beat when they sneeze, the heart marches on, and so does the expectation for a polite “bless you.” Demonstrating good manners after someone releases a nasal symphony could arguably be more about preserving social grace than safeguarding good health.

The Humor in ‘Achoo!’

When someone emits that telltale “Achoo!” a chorus of “Bless you”s often follows, a ritual as reflexive as it is bemusing. The phrase traces back to a time when a sneeze could signal impending doom—either because one’s soul was trying to escape or because they wished to ward off lurking demons. Now, despite lacking a medical need to utter the incantation, people continue the custom, turning sneezing into a social script with a humor all its own.

Imagine the scene: a quiet office, a library, or a crowded train, pierced by the high-pitched sneeze of an unwitting individual. In response, one hears a smattering of “Bless you”s, as if to say, “We acknowledge your sneeze, good sir or madam, and though we can’t ensure you’ll live long, accept this verbal gesture of good health.” The sneezer, then bound by unspoken etiquette, offers a “Thank you,” confirming the transaction is complete.

This exchange harbors an intrinsic comedy—after all, uttering “Bless you” is akin to an olfactory greeting card, a quaint, if not slightly odd, cultural quirk. Magazines and social commentators may muse about the practice, but the truth is, its continued use is more a testament to habit and politeness than to any present-day fear of demons.

One must not discredit the power of tradition nor the humor found in these societal tics. After all, with each sneeze and subsequent blessing, there lies an opportunity for a shared chuckle, a moment of human connection, and the unspoken hope that maybe, just maybe, one might indeed scare a demon or two away.