In Spanish why do we say "With G-d" as a way to say "good bye"?

Answer 1

Spain, and every other Latino country, have adopted (either forcefully or voluntarily) Christianity as their religion. when you say 'vaya con Dios' it's like saying let God watch over you. Take care of yourself.

you're just wishig that person to be safe and careful until next time you see them. it's also making sure that the last thing you say to someone is positive. if anything happens, then they'll go to Heaven. it's bad juju to leave being pissed off or on bad terms with someone.

i tell everyone i care about, OK i love you bye for the same reason. i don't want somethin to happen without tellin someone my last wishes

Answer 2

Because Spain has been a very religious, specifically Catholic, country for long enough for that to be the polite way to say things. The Spanish language, as I get it from California Mexicans, is full of references which assume the speaker and listener are both Catholic. Reasonable assumption at the time the language developed, and relatively reasonable assumption today.

So I guess my answer is, why not?

P.S. English "goodbye" is a contraction of "God be with ye."

Answer 3

It's a shortening of "Go with G-d." Blame it on the catholics or the moors; one of those two groups would have started it as they brought their religions into Spain.