Master Didge hit the nail on the head, it is helpful when we consider a sneeze has long been associated with the onset of some fearful illness. Wishing "good health" or extending a blessing seems the humane thing to do. There are countries like China and Korea where the custom is to say nothing. Barbarians.
In Italian, it comes out as the rousing response of "Salute! " -meaning "Health". Easier to say than Gesundheit
people believed that your soul was escaping or trying to come out whenever you sneezed, so they said blessing.
So there probably isn't an atheist version. I'm agnostic, and I just say "bless you" for the saying, lol.
The usual alternative is Gesundheit! (don't forget the exclamation mark) which is German for "Good health."
In Russian, we say Буд здоровый which roughly translates to "be healthy".
I think we're all blessed in life with something or other .. So even atheists can be blessed. :)!!
Yes, By Giving You A tissue Or Hanky
I say 'bless you', and I'm an aethiest, and that's what everyone I know, whether they be aethiest or people belonging to any specific religion say as well.
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