For something so deep-seated into the culture, the reasons why we say "bless you" or "God bless you" when someone sneezes are something of a muddled mess with a lot of theories floating around.

From ancient plagues to polite reflexes, here's why we say "bless you"—and what other sneezeworthy phrases people use around the world.

The phrase “bless you” is almost reflexive in many cultures, uttered almost immediately after someone sneezes.But why do we say it? This tradition, steeped in history, superstition, and ...

Why do we say “God bless you?” The Library of Congress notes several likely origins. Some date it back to Gregory the Great, Pope Gregory I, who was the Bishop of Rome from 590 to 604.