The phrase "bless you" after someone sneezes originates from several historical and superstitious beliefs. One main reason was the ancient belief that a sneeze caused the soul to momentarily leave the body, so saying "God bless you" was meant to protect the person from evil spirits or the devil snatching their soul. Another origin comes from the time of the bubonic plague (Black Death) in 14th century Europe, when a sneeze was seen as a potential early sign of the deadly illness, and saying "God bless you" was a kind of prayer or benediction for the person's health. Over time, saying "bless you" has become a polite social custom rather than a religious or superstitious act. Other cultural versions exist; for example, some Americans say "Gesundheit," a German word meaning "health." The practice persists mainly because it is considered polite etiquette to acknowledge a sneeze with a blessing or well-wishing. In summary, we say "bless you" when someone sneezes as a protective or benevolent response rooted in ancient superstitions and religious practices that has evolved into a common polite habit today.
