Why Do We Say “Bless You” After a Sneeze

The tradition of saying “bless you” after someone sneezes is a custom that has been around for centuries. 

Even the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder wrote about it in "Natural History" back in 77 CE.

Although the exact origins are unclear, there are several interesting theories that attempt to explain this age old habit.

Spiritual and Superstitious Beliefs:

One of the oldest theories is rooted in spiritual beliefs. 

In ancient times, it was thought that sneezing could lead to the soul momentarily leaving the body, making it vulnerable to evil spirits. 

To protect the person’s soul from being snatched by Satan, people would say "bless you" as a form of protection.

A similar theory suggests that sneezes were believed to expel evil spirits from the body. 

The phrase “bless you” was uttered to prevent those spirits from returning, thus ensuring the person remained safe. 

In both cases, the blessing was a form of spiritual safeguard.

Medical Concerns and Misconceptions:

Beyond superstitions, some explanations have medical roots. During the Renaissance, it was believed that a sneeze could cause the heart to temporarily stop beating. 

Saying “bless you” was seen as a quick prayer, hoping the person’s heart would resume beating without any complications.

Another medical theory dates back to times of plague. Sneezing was often one of the symptoms of the illness, and with limited medical solutions, people turned to faith. 

A blessing was seen as a plea for divine intervention, hoping to save the sneezer from the deadly disease.

While we may not think much about it today, the custom of saying “bless you” after a sneeze has deep historical and cultural roots. 

Whether it originated as a way to ward off evil spirits, protect a vulnerable soul, or offer a simple prayer for health, it remains a small, yet enduring, gesture of goodwill.