Crazy Reasons Why We Say "Bless You"

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Crazy Reasons Why We Say "Bless You"

The most popular theory is that it originated in Rome when the bubonic plague was ravaging Europe. Sneezing was one the plague's main symptoms, and it is believed that Pope Gregory I suggested a tiny prayer in the form of saying, "God bless you" after a sneeze would protect the person from death.

Another, more superstitious theory is that it stems from the ancient belief that a sneeze might accidentally expel the spirit from the body unless God blesses you and prevents it. Other cultures thought that sneezing forced evil spirits out of the body, leaving others exposed to wandering spirits. A blessing was to protect both the sneeze and those around him.

So, while most of us aren't worried about demons, momentary death, or the bubonic plague, today it's considered a polite gesture. And if a simple "bless you" just so happens to protect our souls while we're at it, even better.

Reactions around the world to sneezes

1. American, some say “Gesundheit,” the German word for “health,” although many Americans don't even realize it is a German word. The phrase appeared in America thanks to German immigrants.
2. Irish, “Dia Ieat“ the Irish way of saying “bless you’ translates as ‘God be with you“
3. Asian countries, silence is the norm. Only if you are having a sneeze fit, then someone will address your health.
4. Turkey, a "live long and prosper" is the right way to address a person that just sneezed.
5. Spanish-speakers, a "salud" is quite acceptable.
6. French, "À tes souhaits" literally means "to your wishes". In other words, you're hoping that the sneeze’s wishes come true.
7. Portuguese-speakers, "saúde" does the trick.
8. Polish, the phrase "Na zdrowie" can be used after someone has sneezed but also during a toast before you have a drink with them too.

Sneezing Protocol

1. Conditioned response. People often say “thank you” when we say “God bless you” when they sneeze. The thank you serves as a reward and reinforcement
2. It’s catching. We may imitate others who offer a blessing; we model their behaviour. This might start at a young age when we see and hear adults around us doing this. Sometimes several “bless yours” will be heard from various people in the vicinity of a sneeze, a kind of social contagion.
3. Micro-affections. Saying “bless you” may engender an extremely brief and passing feel-good connection to the person sneezing, a phenomenon that Dr. Farley calls “micro-affections,” an antidote to the “micro-aggressions” we hear so much about.
4. Conformity. Many of us conform to the norm. Saying “bless you” in response to a sneeze is part of the civility that underlies many of our social mores.
5. Atheists, don’t have a set of religious rules by which they live. There’s no Grand High Atheist who rules on matters of atheist dogma. They usually say, “gesundheit!” which means “health!” in German.