What does sakes alive mean?

"Sakes alive" is an expression of surprise or astonishment, often used to convey a sense of disbelief or excitement. It's an old-fashioned phrase that can evoke a reaction similar to "goodness gracious" or "oh my." The term likely derives from a combination of "sakes" (a variation of "sakes alive") and references to divine protection or presence. While not commonly used today, it can still be found in literature or in a playful context.