Why We Say "God Bless You" When Someone Sneezes: History & Meaning

Ever been in a quiet room when suddenly, *ACHOO.* – someone lets out a massive sneeze? It's almost guaranteed that someone else will quickly chime in with, "God bless you." But have you ever paused to consider why do we say god bless you when someone sneezes?

It's a quirky custom, so ingrained in our culture. This seemingly simple phrase has roots that stretch back centuries, tangled in a web of superstition, the bubonic plague, and even papal decrees.

Because the response is so common, "bless you" and 'god bless you' is something we almost say without even realizing it. Because so many question, "why do we say god bless you when someone sneezes" so frequently, we'll explore this right now.

The Soul's Escape?

One ancient belief revolves around the idea that a sneeze could literally expel the soul from the body. Ancient man thought a 'bless you' was needed immediately.

So, a quick "God bless you" was thought to be a necessary safeguard. Some ancient cultures thought the blessing would keep that person's soul safely inside, protecting the individual from evil spirits.

It seems many varying accounts and ancient cultures thought this.

Protection From Evil

The idea of sneezing forced evil spirits to be expelled from the body has many origins. Some thought a sneeze opened a doorway for these forces.

A blessing, therefore, offered a shield, and so that evil could not enter back into them. Cultures thought different things.

The Plague's Influence

Perhaps the most widely-cited origin story connects "God bless you" to the bubonic plague. This terrifying disease ravaged Europe in the 14th century.

Sneezing was believed to be a clear sign that the body was endangering the person. The Black Death, caused people to see sneezing differently.

Pope Gregory I reportedly encouraged people to offer this blessing. It was a desperate plea for divine intervention in the face of almost certain death, so God's blessing began during that timeframe for many.

Pope Gregory's Role

Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) is often credited with popularizing the phrase. People sneeze and automatically others chime in to say, "God bless you".

The hope was that a prayer, or the specific wording that Pope Gregory suggested, would keep the blessing and give some chance to survive. The hope of saying 'bless you' was a powerful incentive during these trying times.

A Matter of Etiquette

Today, the phrase persists, but it has changed a great deal from its history. Today we are often not concerned about the risk of death and other matters when sneezing.

For most people "bless you" has shifted into more of a politeness. It can seem that the blessing began due to the change because it really has become a response now.

Beyond Superstition

The phrase might be a polite acknowledgment. Or, some see it as a way of wishing someone good health, whether or not there's a true danger present.

So cultures really see it differently, it can seem. Of course, we are thinking beyond any superstition, although this may contribute some value and it helps to share historical thought.

Global Variations of "God Bless"

The phrase, 'Bless You' after a sneeze varies widely. "Gesundheit," in Germany is another frequent one.

In other places around the world, they might offer someone to have a long life. Because we all see different perspectives and we often value our cultural preferences.

The German "Gesundheit"

You might hear the German word "Gesundheit." This directly translates to "health."

This term became popular in America through German immigrants. Because so many Germans came here, it is commonly said even today.

Other Cultural Responses

In some cultures, complete silence after a sneeze is the standard practice. In other words, they don't respond to any sneezes.

Still in other places, such as Turkey they value living and thriving. For example, some may address you, wishing that you prosper.

Is Your Heart Involved?

A very common, and maybe shocking, thing to consider is your heart and its relationship to a sneeze. Does sneezing and a 'God bless' response have anything to do with the heart?

Your heart does not stop when you sneeze. It has been debunked in the health industry.

It's been known to change your rhythm as blood flow is changed. The heart's rhythm change can lead someone to feel or sense as if their heart, “skipped a beat.”

The Changing Rhythm

As you are inhaling your blood flow increases and causes a change, it decreases your heart rate. The complete reverse can also occur.

There is a belief that it relates to ancient superstition, sneezing and temporarily leaving. Although people hold many thoughts on this.

Why Not Other Bodily Functions?

Interestingly, "God bless you" seems to be reserved almost specifically for sneezes. We really do not have this response or have sayings of blessings when someone burps.

The simple reality is most do not give it a single thought. It may just show that the custom, however old it is, is quite unique.

Sneezing as a Social Signal

Perhaps it's the sudden, explosive nature of a sneeze that demands acknowledgment. Sneezing is so explosive and out of our control so the shock makes others respond.

Religious Considerations of 'Bless You'

Some believe saying "God bless you" could be considered taking the Lord's name in vain. Or it could just be a shallow blessing with no thought.

We are given examples throughout history of asking God to bless people. Even though it is more frequent among Christianity and certain cultures.

This all has origins with the Bible according to certain historical events. It has now transformed greatly and in current day we use "God bless you" with a different response.

Blessing as a Prayer

There are verses that remind us we should speak blessing. In Mathew we are told to ask a blessing on people, this includes our friends and others too.

When there is intention, a desire and sincere focus on wanting the person well then there can be power in this thought process. Although god bless is more common and custom these days.

Practical Reasons for Saying "Bless You"

One could see the saying, “Bless you,” to indicate an acknowledgement that can signal you in social setting. For instance, someone sharing something privately that may interrupt a large crowd.

This could be in public or private spaces, such as speaking engagements. A way to acknowledge or a quick apology when a person sneezed.

Final Thoughts

So, why do we say god bless you when someone sneezes? Is it a relic of ancient superstition, a holdover from a time of plague, or just good manners?

Maybe it's a mix of all of these. Whatever the cause, the phrase persists, woven into the fabric of how we talk.

It serves as a simple method to recognize others.

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