Where did the phrase god bless you come from when you sneeze?

[Russ Spence]

In medieval times they believed that when someone sneezed the body was expelling demons. by saying "god bless you" they were hoping to guard against the evil spirits entering the body again.

 

[bigchaz]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bless_you

 

[Apple Roof Cleaning]

WHO says "God Bless You" when they sneeze ?
I usually say "GD You", especially if they get any snot on me

 

[Thad]

If you don't say "God bless you " when someone sneezes around here it's a mortal insult.
I saw two barbers almost come to blows because one didn't hear the other one sneeze and didn't bless him.

 

[Mathew Johnson]

I think one of the wize men sneezed repeatedly during a sermon and God was there and stepped in keep him from doing it again

 

[tunatussle]

I once heard your heart stops beating when you sneeze and I would guess the phrase comes about that your heart begins to beat again.