7/2 The Origin of "Bless You"

They say you always remember your firsts.
* first: 첫 번째 사람, 최초의 것
ex> I was the first in my family to go to college.

As for me, I remember the first English expression I learned when I was living in California.
* as for: ~에 관해 말하면
ex> As for the others, they can use public transportation.

You probably know the meaning, but where does it come from?
* come from: ~에서 나오다, ~출신이다
ex> These products actually come from Vietnam.

The most convincing one, I think, has to do with the plague.
* have to do with: ~와 관련이 있다
ex> What does that have to do with me?
* the plaque: 전염병, 페스트

The phrase originated in Rome when the bubonic plague hit Europe.
* hit: 치다, 덮치다, 영향을 주다
ex> A massive hurricane hit the coast of Florida yesterday.
ex> The recession has hit my business very hard.
* bubonic plaque [bju:bɑ́nik]: 선 페스트

Sneezing was one of the early symptoms of the plague.
* sneeze: 재채기하다
ex> Make sure you cover your mouth when you sneeze.


@ I’m going to crash early tonight. 난 오늘 밤일찍 잘 거야.

1. He was the first to come up with his idea.
2. As for her, she doesn’t like watching soap operas.
3. He has something to do with this crime.
4. Psy’s new album will hit the stores tomorrow.

Talk about the origin of “Bless you”.

They say you always remember your firsts.

Like your first car, your first girlfriend or boyfriend, your first overseas trip,and so on.

As for me, I remember the first English expression I learned when I was living in California.

It was “Bless you.”

You probably know the meaning, but where does it come from?

Well, there are several possible origins of this phrase.

The most convincing one, I think, has to do with the plague.

The phrase originated in Rome when the bubonic plague hit Europe.

Sneezing was one of the early symptoms of the plague.

It is believed that Pope Gregory the Great said “God bless you” after a person sneezed.