"Bless You"

"Bless You"

Whenever someone sneezes, you say "Bless you" or hear someone else say these words.

Why? Why are the words spoken? We say "Bless you" usually when someone sneezes in a way of showing respect or care for their health. It can also be said when writing a valediction.

When? When did this saying originate? This saying originated from the plague of AD 590.

How? How did this saying originate? This saying originated when Pope Gregory 1 ordered unceasing prayer for divine intercession. Part of his command was that anyone sneezing be blessed immediately ("God Bless you"), since sneezing was often the first sign that someone was falling ill with the plague. By Ad 750, it became customary to say "God Bless you" as a response to one sneezing.

Where? Where did this saying originate? This saying originated in Rome.