Etymology

The History of ‘Bless You’

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The Ancient Origins of 'Bless You' After a Sneeze

Have you ever found yourself uttering that age-old phrase, “Bless you,” after a sudden sneeze, without a second thought? It’s a reflex, a social nicety ingrained in our daily lives. But where did this peculiar custom originate? The answer, like many traditions, is buried deep in the mists of history, intertwined with ancient beliefs about … Read more

From Hellenia to Greece: The Evolving Name of an Ancient Land

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The Name of Greece: From Hellenia to Greece

Have you ever wondered why we call the land of ancient philosophers, democratic ideals, and epic myths “Greece,” when the people who lived there, and their descendants, have always referred to their homeland as “Hellas”? This linguistic twist, a common thread in history, often reveals fascinating layers of cultural exchange, historical conquest, and the evolving … Read more