Gesundheit! 10 Unique Ways the World Says “Bless You”

Achoo! 

Sneezing is a universal human experience, but did you know that the way people respond to a sneeze varies widely across cultures? From the familiar “bless you” to more unusual phrases, there are so many fascinating customs surrounding this everyday occurrence.

The Origins of “Bless You”

In the United States and many English-speaking countries, “bless you” is the go-to response when someone sneezes. 

This phrase is believed to have originated during the 6th century, when Pope Gregory the Great ordered that prayers be said to ward off the plague, which was thought to begin with sneezing. (ref)

Another theory suggests that people once believed a sneeze could expel the soul from the body, and saying “God bless you” would prevent evil spirits from taking its place.

The Psychology Behind Sneezing Responses

But why do we feel compelled to acknowledge a sneeze in the first place? 

Dr. Gail Saltz, an associate professor of psychiatry, explains that for many, this response is a conditioned behavior instilled since childhood. (ref) With enough repetition and positive reinforcement, it becomes an increasingly reflexive response done without conscious thought.

Moreover, etiquette expert Sharon Schweitzer believes that saying “bless you” is still viewed by many as an indication of social graces and kindness, regardless of its historical origins. It’s a brief, feel-good social connection that persists even in modern times.

1. Germany – “Gesundheit” 

Meaning: Health 
The common German response to a sneeze is “gesundheit,” which literally translates to “health.” A simple wish for good health, without any religious connotation.

2. Spain – “Jesús” or “Salud”

Meaning: Jesus or Health
Spaniards say either “Jesús,” a religious invocation, or “salud,” meaning “health,” after someone sneezes. Both are thought to originate from beliefs that sneezing expelled evil spirits.

3. Serbia – “Наздравље” (Nazdravlje) or “Pis maco”

Meaning: To your health or Go away kitten 
Adults in Serbia reply with “наздравље” (nazdravlje), wishing “to your health” when someone sneezes. For children, the peculiar response is “pis maco” – “go away kitten.”

4. Sweden, Norway, Denmark – “Prosit”

Meaning: To your health 
Across Scandinavian countries, you’ll hear “prosit” after a sneeze. Borrowed from Latin, it approximates “may it be good” or “to your health.”

5. Italy – “Salute”

Meaning: Health 
The Italian response of “salute” keeps things straightforward by simply meaning “health.” A wish for good health follows sneezes.

6. France – “À tes souhaits” or “À vos souhaits”

Meaning: To your wishes
Among friends and family, the French say “à tes souhaits” after sneezes, while formal situations get “à vos souhaits.” Both translate to “to your wishes” – an open-ended well-wishing.

7. Greece – “Γείτσες” (Geitses)

Meaning: Health In Greece, the standard sneeze response is “γείτσες” (geitses). 
In Greece, the standard response to a sneeze is “γείτσες” (geitses), which means “health.” This simple, direct wish for good health is in line with many other European countries.

8. Poland – “Na zdrowie” 

Meaning: For health
When Poles hear a sneeze, they reply “na zdrowie” to wish “for health.” This phrase doubles as a toast when drinking.

9. Russia, Ukraine – “Будь здоров” (Bud’ zdorov)

Meaning: Be healthy 
The customary response “будь здоров” (bud’ zdorov) in Russia and Ukraine translates to “be healthy.” Slavic beliefs see sneezing as a sign of fortune and health.

10. Turkey – “Çok yaşa”

Meaning: Live long 
Rather than health, Turkish culture prompts saying “çok yaşa” – emphasizing longevity by wishing someone to “live long” after a sneeze.

A World United by a Simple Gesture

From the streets of Madrid to the cafes of Istanbul, sneezing etiquette varies greatly across the globe. Yet, despite the diversity of responses, the underlying sentiment remains the same: a desire for good health, well-being, and connection with others.