In American culture, if you hear someone sneeze, chances are high—almost 90%—that someone nearby (even a complete stranger) will immediately respond with “Bless you,” usually within a second. For newcomers to the U.S., this can feel a bit surprising or even unnecessary, but it’s just part of the culture.
Historically, people used to say “God bless you,” but at some point, the “God” part was dropped, leaving just “Bless you.” The person who sneezed will typically respond with a quick “Thank you” to acknowledge the kind gesture.
What’s even more interesting is that if you sneeze multiple times in a row, people will keep saying “Bless you” each time, one after another, creating a kind of rhythmic response. You’ll hear this everywhere—at gatherings, in classrooms, and in the workplace—until your sneezing fit is over. And often, it all ends with shared laughter.
Do you find this American cultural habit interesting? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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