The man shows with his index finger. Alam - "a symbol of idolatry"? What is a crescent and a raised finger

In everyday life, people constantly accompany their speech with hand movements and facial expressions. Most often this happens unconsciously, but sometimes gestures are used intentionally to enhance the emotional and expressive coloring of words, to demonstrate one's mood, attitude to the situation or interlocutor. Having studied some finger gestures and their meaning, you can succinctly formulate a message, quickly convey it to others, as the deaf-mutes do. Consider the most common signs, and also explain their meaning.

thumb up and down

With a gesture thumb up Everyone has known each other since childhood. Usually it symbolizes approval or consent, accompanied by an appropriate nod, so it is always perceived positively in our country. Often used by voting travelers on the road when it is necessary to stop the transport. However, you need to be careful when using your fingers with foreigners, because in the sign language of the inhabitants of Australia, Greece and the UK, such a sign is regarded as foul language, and among the Arabs it is generally associated with the male genital organ.

When thumb down, the gesture takes on the opposite meaning - that is, an expression of discontent, dissatisfaction. Today it is reflected in social networks and the YouTube channel. The pictogram depicting him is called a "dislike".

Forefinger

The next gesture is not so unambiguous and is deciphered depending on the situation, taking into account additional signals. It's index finger up. There are several options for interpreting it:

applied to the center of the lips - they are asked to keep silence;
lift vertically at head level or higher - require attention or stop immediately;
move it from side to side - express their disagreement or prohibition;
shake up and down - teach or threaten with punishment;
twisted at the temple - they show that the person is out of his mind.

According to his position during a conversation, it is determined whether a person is telling the truth or lying. If, for example, the eyes look in one direction, and the index finger is directed in the other and slightly bent, then the interlocutor is most likely insincere.

Middle finger up

Since the time of ancient Rome, in almost all civilized countries, the meaning of the middle finger gesture has been indecent and offensive. Stretched up, it symbolizes today the male genital organ. This is a rough form of the phrase "Get out!" or "Back off!" among young people. In our country, it is borrowed from cool American action movies and vulgar 18+ youth comedies.

Crossing fingers

The hand is very often used by superstitious people as a magical tool that can scare away evil spirits and attract good luck. In their understanding, crossed fingers (index and middle) have protective force. This gesture means the unity of faith and power, associated with the cross. One of the fingers symbolizes hope for a better outcome, and the other - help and support. Sometimes they are intertwined on both hands and hidden behind the back in order to lie, but at the same time avoid the punishment of higher powers.

Research by British scientists from University College proves that such actions are not unreasonable. They even found scientific confirmation. In their opinion, the gesture really helps to reduce pain. But do not try to show it to the Vietnamese if you do not want to offend him greatly.

Two fingers up V - victory

In Russia and many others European countries ah gesture of two fingers with an open palm means absolute victory or confidence in the proximity of its achievement. This is due to the fact that the index and middle fingers, directed upwards, look like the letter V. That, in turn, is an abbreviation for the Latin word Victoria - victory. For the first time in the world, the sign was used by Winston Churchill. However, it is also not universal for everyone. The British, Australians and New Zealanders will consider the gesture as an insult if the brush is turned back to them. In Russia, this option is interpreted as the number 2.

Three fingers up

It is known that during the Second World War German soldiers greeted the commander-in-chief during the oath, showing three fingers at the same time - thumb, index and middle. In the concept of a Russian, this sign means the number or quantity 3.

Goat

Few people know that a gesture in which all fingers are clenched into a fist, except for the index and little fingers, is attributed protective properties, so it is often used by magicians when performing mystical rituals. However, thanks to rock stars, he more familiar people like a "rocker goat". In combination with a protruding tongue, it expresses insolence or a state of madness.

In Russia, "goat" can be deciphered to demonstrate one's power and superiority over others. It also serves as a comic imitation of butting cattle.

Shaka and tongue between fingers

A hand clenched into a fist with a protruding thumb and little finger near the ear is associated by many with a telephone conversation, a request or a promise to call back. But if the action is accompanied by a characteristic tilt of the head or the touch of the little finger to the lips, then it acquires a different meaning, associated with a call to drink alcohol, use narcotic cigarettes.

In Hawaii, "Shaka" is taken as a sign of greeting. It is popular with surfers, skydiving and Brazilian jiu-jitsu wrestlers. It is also used to express jubilation by some famous football players who have scored a goal.

OK

The generally accepted meaning of the gesture is to notify others that there are no problems and everything is in order. Favorite sign among residents. However, in Turkey it is offensive to the person to whom it is addressed, as it implies an accusation of non-traditional sexual orientation.

Fig or fig

For Russians, the twisted fist with the thumb sticking out between the other two is a contemptuous form of rejection. IN ancient Russia the fig symbolized intercourse, could be used to scare evil spirits. There are several more names - shish, fig, dulya. But if for a resident of Russia it means an insult, mockery, then for a Brazilian it means protection from the evil eye or a talisman to attract good luck. That is why there you can find pendants, pendants and figurines depicting a figure.

Spire folded with fingertips

As psychologists note, balanced, confident in their abilities and their own competence connect the fingertips of the hands with a “house” of personality. The spire can mean thinking at the moment of making an important decision or demonstrate an increased interest in the words of the interlocutor.

In the practice of yogis, fingertips closed in rings help to meditate, find peace, and focus on the main thing.

Rubbing your thumb on the tips of others

Such manipulation can be seen in crime films. She means banknotes, virtually crunchy in the hands. Another such gesture is used at a time when it is necessary to clarify one's thought, to urgently remember something, but it does not work out.

Clasped fingers

The hands clenched into the castle serve as a kind of psychological barrier. can inform about different states person:

on the head - experience, confusion, shock;
kneeling - hidden tension, stiffness;
in front of you, while the head is directed upwards - an expression of distrust of the information provided, disagreement with the opinion expressed.

Negotiate with business partner, whose fingers are tightly clasped into the lock, is very difficult. To make him relax, you need to invite him to watch something, and then try to discuss the issue again.

In most countries, the outstretched palm means "stop." In a conversation, a gesture formulates a request to stop, to stop doing something.

It is also a sign of greeting people and farewell to them. Depends on what the situation is. However, the Greeks, with the help of such a friendly five, express negative emotions. Namely - the desire to move in the face. They have this manipulation called mundza, it has a funny story of occurrence. Yes, at dawn Byzantine Empire the judge had a way of humiliating punishment of petty criminals - smearing ashes on the face of the offender.

Inviting gesture with index finger

With an outstretched forward curving finger, most often people call to themselves the one with whom they want to sort things out. It is perceived by a person jokingly, but sometimes it can offend. It is a sign of a lack of culture among those who use it.

Fist

Clenching the fist shows strong tension, readiness to repel the attack of the enemy, and also means an open threat, the intention to hit in the face. Symbolizes power.

Russian and English alphabet with gestures

The language of the deaf and dumb is the main way they interact with the outside world. It allows people with hearing and speech impairments to communicate. Each gesture corresponds to a letter of the alphabet or a word. This can be better represented in the form of a table.

As you can see, the same gestures can be interpreted in different ways. That is why they should be interpreted as a system and not individually. And apply only when appropriate.

What is this thumbs up symbol?

It is clear that the meaning of the symbol depends precisely on which country and which finger is used. And here there are a great many options: from greetings and approval to indecent analogies.

Forefinger right hand, raised up, among Muslims is a symbol of the proclamation of monotheism, that is, translated into Russian it means: “There is no God but Allah!”.
In Germany, this gesture says: "Everything is fine."
In Slavic countries, the index finger raised up means a call for attention from others, and in American schools, students thus ask the teacher for permission to answer a question.
If at the time of the conversation you raise your index finger up and shake it from side to side, then the interlocutor of almost any nationality will understand this as a rejection of the offer or unwillingness to discuss the topic.

What are we talking about with a thumbs up?

The symbol - the index and thumb connected with the others raised up, means in America and most European countries: "Everything is fine!". But in Brazil and Turkey, such a gesture will be perceived as an insult.

A resident of Holland, inviting you to a friendly drinking party, will raise his little finger, and take his thumb to the side. Here you will probably want to answer him with the gesture described above. Still: "Everything is fine"! And the Frenchman can raise his little finger in response, which will mean: “Get away from me!”

If someone raises their thumb up - the symbol hardly needs a special decoding - this is a sign of good luck, recognition that everything is going as it should, agreement with the proposed program of action, etc.

True, in Turkey and the Arab countries, such a gesture is a phallic symbol, and in Greece it is a demand: “Shut up!”.

Most common symbol

The thumbs up is also raised in other cases. True, not one, but two: we are talking about the V-shaped sign known in Europe with the index and middle fingers of the hand.

It was introduced during the Second World War by Winston Churchill to indicate victory, and since then this gesture has become very popular. True, for the British, one nuance is important in it: which side is the palm turned to the speaker at this moment. If with the back, then it is: “victory” (“victory”), but if with the palm, then its interpretation becomes offensive.

No less popular is another gesture: “goat”. It's about about the raised index finger and little finger. On the territory of the CIS, this is the infamous "rocker" symbol. The thumb is raised in a similar way as a sign of superiority over someone, a desire to humiliate him. Although in mystical rituals given sign- protection from dark forces.

Why do Muslims always point their index finger up? What does this gesture mean?

Alla㋛♠♣♦

The finger of the right hand raised up is a symbol of the proclamation of monotheism among Muslims) by the way, for those who profess Islam, left hand considered "unclean". Therefore, if you hold out a gift or money with your left hand, you may offend a Muslim.)

Eugene of Ardynsky, is your god Jesus? You don't even know who your God is, how can you call everything else evil!?
The central person for Christian worship is the Son of God - Jesus
Christ (hence the name "Christians").
It is through him that Christians come
to God the Father. God the Father is the only image of God for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

They heard a ringing, but they don’t know where it came from! Among the Wahhabis, such a sign is common - an index finger extended upwards. According to the naive ideas of the "Salafis", this sign should demonstrate their commitment to monotheism - after all, God is one, like a finger. Wahhabis are very fond of posing for photos with such a “finger”, thereby wanting to show their “monotheism”. However, there are no hadiths that would speak of such a finger as some kind of symbol of Islam or monotheism.
Where did this gesture come from?
The fact is that the index finger extended upwards is one of the main symbols of Freemasonry, which, in turn, borrowed it from ancient pagan religions, where this finger symbolized the connection of a person with “ higher powers(i.e., Satan).
Also in the rituals of black magic, Satan himself is usually depicted with his finger raised up, as can be seen in the photo below.
Thus, since Wahhabism was an invention of English Freemasonry, someone introduced this sign into it so that the “Salafis” would bear the satanic mark on themselves.

What does ☝☝☝ that index finger up mean?

A raised index finger in Germany means “fine”, a French waitress will take this gesture for ordering one glass of wine.
There is also a difference in the gestures of different peoples.
A raised index finger in Germany means “fine”, a French waitress will take this gesture for ordering one glass of wine.
Two fingers raised means:
in Germany - victory
in France - the world
in the UK - 2
in Greece - go to hell, to hell.
Raised up five fingers of the hand mean:
in Western countries – 5
everywhere - stop!
in Turkey - go away
in other countries - believe me, I'm telling the truth!
Raised little finger and index finger:
in the Mediterranean - your wife is cheating on you
in Malta and Italy - a sign that protects from danger and the evil eye
Raised index finger and thumb:
in Europe - 2
in the UK - 1
in the USA - please serve me, bring the bill
In Japan, it's an insult.
Raised little finger:
in France - leave me alone!
in Japan, a woman
in Mediterranean countries - a sexual hint
Thumb up:
in Europe - 1
greece is a swear word
in Japan - a man, 5
in other countries - well done, well, a sign for stopping vehicles on the road.
The index finger and thumb are connected, the other fingers are raised up:
in Europe and North America- good, fine
in the Mediterranean, Russia, Brazil, Turkey - swearing, sexual insult,
in Tunisia, France - 0
Raised little finger and to the side of the allotted finger:
in Holland – how about a drink?
in Hawaii - no panic! Calm down!

Index finger up of the right hand What does this mean?

★ஐ✽ นңңα ✽ஐ★

Gestures from combinations of fingers in different cultures have a very different meaning. So, for example, the “thumbs up” symbol can speak both of the decision to pardon the vanquished (the famous gesture at the time of the struggle of Roman gladiators), and of the usual request for a lift, take a fellow traveler (hitchhiking), if we are talking about a raised thumb by the road somewhere in America. The index finger carries other information. Let's look at everything in more detail.
What is this thumbs up symbol?

It is clear that the meaning of the symbol depends precisely on which country and which finger is used. And here there are a great many options: from greetings and approval to indecent analogies.
1. The index finger of the right hand, raised up, among Muslims is a symbol of the proclamation of monotheism, that is, translated into Russian it means: “There is no God but Allah!”.
2. In Germany, this gesture says: "Everything is fine."
3. In Slavic countries, the index finger raised up means a call for attention from others, and in American schools, students thus ask the teacher for permission to answer the question.
4. If at the time of the conversation you raise your index finger up and shake it from side to side, then the interlocutor of almost any nationality will understand this as a rejection of the proposal or unwillingness to discuss the topic.
What does the "thumbs up" symbol mean?

In most cases, a person supplements his speech with gestures. Often we make movements involuntarily, that is, without thinking about their meaning. In addition, with the help of gestures, you can find out the information of interest from a foreign citizen, for example, while traveling. In the article, we will look at what popular finger gestures mean.

Gesture Meanings

Victoria

The V-shaped gesture is shown with the index and middle fingers. The sign means "peace" and "victory". However, in a number of states (Great Britain, Ireland, Australia) the gesture is offensive if the palm is turned towards the person.

Muntz

Gesture in the form of an outstretched hand. Usually means a request to stop.

In Greece, this gesture is considered offensive.

OK

A gesture in the form of a ring, which is formed by connecting the index and thumb means "all right".

In the capital of Italy, the sign means "worthless". And in Japan, the gesture means "money".

thumb up and down

A thumbs up signifies agreement and approval. Often the sign is used while hitchhiking to catch a car.

In Thailand, this gesture is a sign of condemnation. And in Iran, a raised thumb is considered an offensive gesture.

If the thumb is pointing down, then this sign has the meaning of disapproval.

Forefinger

The index finger is used for this or that gesture depending on the situation. For example, if you put your finger on your lips, then the sign will have the meaning "silence".

If the finger is raised up, then this means "attention" or "stop".

If the interlocutor shakes his index finger from side to side, then he does not agree with what was said. A slightly tilted shaking finger is used when teaching (for example, when children are scolded).

If you twist your finger at the temple, it means to recognize the interlocutor as "crazy".

Middle finger

The sticking out middle finger is an offensive gesture in many countries. The sign can be replaced with a less crude fig.

Fig

Or, in another way, a fist is a gesture in the form of a fist, where the thumb is inserted between the index and middle fingers. It is used in cases of disagreement with the interlocutor. It also means "refusal".

Another sign is often used as a "protection" from the evil eye.

IN South America the gesture is considered friendly and is used to wish good luck.

Crossing fingers

In many countries, crossing the index and middle fingers is used to bring good luck.

In Vietnam, this sign has an offensive meaning.

Goat

A popular sign among rock musicians, which looks like a raised index finger and little finger.

In Russia, small children are entertained with this gesture, associating the sign with the "horned goat".

However, in some European countries, including America, the sign means "cuckold".

In Colombia, this sign is shown if they want to wish good luck.

Shaka

Type of gesture - raised thumb and little finger. Often the gesture means "handset" and is shown if a person asks to call him.

In Hawaii, the gesture is a sign of greeting. And among drug addicts, the sign means "to smoke."

Spire

The gesture looks like joined fingertips. It is used by confident people. Usually the sign is used by people who are more inclined to speak than to gesticulate.

Often the speaker places the spire with his fingers up, and the listener, on the contrary, down.

Closed thumb and forefinger

This gesture is used when it is necessary to draw attention to something. The sign often complements speech. The narrator at this moment wants the listener to understand the essence of his words.

Rubbing your thumb on the tips of others

In this case, the gesture means "money".

Sometimes the sign is used when trying to remember some event or word. If the result is positive, the sign is replaced by a click.

What does a raised index finger mean?

๏̯͡๏-๏̯͡๏

A raised index finger in Germany means “fine”, a French waitress will take this gesture for ordering one glass of wine.
There is also a difference in the gestures of different peoples.

A raised index finger in Germany means “fine”, a French waitress will take this gesture for ordering one glass of wine.

Two fingers raised means:

Germany wins
in France - the world
in the UK - 2
in Greece - go to hell, to hell.
Raised up five fingers of the hand mean:

In Western countries - 5
everywhere - stop!
in Turkey - go away
in other countries - believe me, I'm telling the truth!
Raised little finger and index finger:

In the Mediterranean - your wife is cheating on you
in Malta and Italy - a sign that protects from danger and the evil eye
Raised index finger and thumb:

In Europe - 2
in the UK - 1
in the USA - please serve me, bring the bill
In Japan, it's an insult.
Raised little finger:

In France, leave me alone!
in Japan, a woman
in Mediterranean countries - a sexual hint
Thumb up:

In Europe - 1
greece is a swear word
in Japan - a man, 5
in other countries - well done, well, a sign for stopping vehicles on the road.
The index finger and thumb are connected, the other fingers are raised up:

In Europe and North America - good, great
in the Mediterranean, Russia, Brazil, Turkey - swearing, sexual insult,
in Tunisia, France - 0
Raised little finger and to the side of the allotted finger:

In Holland - how about having a drink?
in Hawaii - no panic! Calm down!

Photographer

the straightened index finger of the right hand is a symbol of the declaration of monotheism among Muslims.
The index finger of the right hand raised to the top does not mean "Allah Akbar", but "La Ilaha Ilalah"!
Everyone who has prayed at least once in their life knows this, because during the performance of rak'ahs, the worshiper raises his finger up to read the "Shahada" - the statement that there is no God but Allah (Lord) - in Arabic "La Ilaha Ilalah"!

Danil arnaut

Among the Wahhabis, such a sign is common - an index finger extended upwards. According to the naive ideas of the "Salafis", this sign should demonstrate their commitment to monotheism - after all, God is one, like a finger. Wahhabis are very fond of posing for photos with such a “finger”, thereby wanting to show their “monotheism”.
However, there are no hadiths that would speak of such a finger as some kind of symbol of Islam or monotheism.
Where did this gesture come from?

Christina Kim

What does this gesture mean?

What does the pointing finger up gesture mean for Muslims?

Quite often in Lately can be seen in pictures or video reports of Muslim militants raising their index fingers. It turns out that this gesture does not mean anything offensive and defiant in itself for Muslims. This is simply a gesture of affirmation that Allah is one, that is, the index finger simply means one. Although some people seriously suspected that this gesture was analogous to the European raised middle finger, and I even had to read the explanation that this was an offensive gesture, because this finger in the desert lands is considered an analogue of Russian burdock.

Azamatik

Muslim gesture - index finger raised up - means "Allah is one"(there is no God but Allah).

I don’t understand why it’s for show, to be photographed, performing this gesture, and so on.

It is strange when non-Muslims (the same militants, terrorists) make the same gesture. They contradict themselves: after all, Islam does not welcome the killing of people.

Jannet

This means not at all that well-known gesture, where the raised middle finger of the hand carries an insulting tone. We are talking about a vertically raised index finger of the right hand. This is a religious gesture, such a gesture is considered a sign of "tawhid", which expresses the faith of Muslims in the uniqueness of Allah.

Why do Muslims always point their index finger up? What does this gesture mean?

Alla㋛♠♣♦

The raised finger of the right hand is a symbol of the declaration of monotheism among Muslims) by the way, for those who profess Islam, the left hand is considered "unclean". Therefore, if you hold out a gift or money with your left hand, you may offend a Muslim.)

They heard a ringing, but they don’t know where it came from! Among the Wahhabis, such a sign is common - an index finger extended upwards. According to the naive ideas of the "Salafis", this sign should demonstrate their commitment to monotheism - after all, God is one, like a finger. Wahhabis are very fond of posing for photos with such a “finger”, thereby wanting to show their “monotheism”. However, there are no hadiths that would speak of such a finger as some kind of symbol of Islam or monotheism.
Where did this gesture come from?
The fact is that the index finger stretched upwards is one of the main symbols of Freemasonry, which, in turn, borrowed it from ancient pagan religions, where this finger symbolized a person’s connection with “higher powers” (that is, Satan).
Also in the rituals of black magic, Satan himself is usually depicted with his finger raised up, as can be seen in the photo below.
Thus, since Wahhabism was an invention of English Freemasonry, someone introduced this sign into it so that the “Salafis” would bear the satanic mark on themselves.

What does the raised index finger mean? READ EXPLANATION

I know that Muslims have this gesture, the type of Allah is one. But not long ago I saw a photo on the Internet where the RUSSIANS had a thumbs up

Elena

If the finger is vertically raised up, it means "stop!" , "Attention!" .
If at the same time shake your finger to the sides, this gesture will mean refusal.
A slightly tilted finger forward and swinging up and down means a threat or a lesson.
If the index finger is twisted at the temple, then they consider you a fool.
The hand raised up with the index finger says: “Attention, I want to say something!” .
There is one hidden position of the index finger: if a person speaks and his gaze is directed in one direction, and the index finger in the other, while it is slightly bent, then the person is telling a lie.

1. Middle finger

Thanks to Hollywood, the exposed middle finger has become famous all over the world. At the same time, in no country does this gesture mean something positive or peaceful. The classical meaning of this phallic gesture is very harsh, and it means an abrupt end to the conversation and a wish for travel in a certain direction.

According to anthropologist Desmond Morris, the display of the middle finger, symbolizing the offensive display of the penis, is one of the most ancient gestures known to us. IN Ancient Greece pointing the middle finger at someone was considered a serious insult, as it meant an accusation of passive homosexuality.

In the comedy of Aristophanes "Clouds", Socrates, undertaking to teach the sciences to an ordinary peasant Strepsiades, asks if he knows the poetic size of a dactyl (literally "finger"), to which Strepsiades readily shows his middle finger. The philosopher Diogenes said that “most people are only one finger away from insanity: if a person stretches out his middle finger, he will be considered crazy, and if he is index, they will not be considered.” They also told about him that “when visitors wanted to look at Demosthenes, he pointed to him with his middle finger with the words:“ Here is the ruler of the Athenian people.

In ancient Greece, pointing with the middle finger accused of homosexuality

In Rome, the gesture, and with it the middle finger itself, was called the "shameless finger." The gesture is mentioned by a number of Roman authors, for example, in one of the epigrams of Martial, an old man, proud of his health, shows the middle finger to the doctors.

2. Up or down thumb

A gesture using the thumb often demonstrates the attitude of a person to what he happened to see. Thumb up - "I like it!"; thumb down - "I don't like it."

This sign is often associated with the tradition of ancient Roman gladiator fights. French historian and archaeologist Jerome Carcopino in his book " Everyday life ancient rome. Apogee of the Empire" noticed that when it seemed to the crowd that the vanquished defended himself with all his strength, the audience waved their handkerchiefs, raised their finger in the air and shouted: "Let him go!". If the emperor agreed with their wishes and raised his thumb up, the vanquished was forgiven and released from the arena alive. If the spectators, on the contrary, believed that the vanquished deserved defeat by his cowardice and unwillingness to continue the fight, they put their finger down and shouted: “Cut!”. Then the emperor, putting his thumb down, ordered the slaughter of the defeated gladiator, and he had no choice but to expose his throat for a "strike of mercy."

In Iran, a thumbs-up is a threat of violence

The raised thumb is interpreted differently in many countries. If in Germany it is peacefully neutral and means the number 1, then in Greece this gesture will be similar to the phrase “Fuck you!”. In Uruguay and Iran, a proudly raised thumb symbolizes the male sexual organ, and the gesture itself means the threat of sexual violence.

A sign in the form of a ring formed by the index and thumbs, were given to people by divers, who thus inform their partner that everything is in order with them. There is also a version that this is an invention of journalists who sought to shorten the most common phrases.

However, in France, Portugal and some countries Latin America beloved by Americans and many Europeans, the “OK” gesture is perceived as indecent and symbolizes the anus. This can be felt especially acutely in Turkey, where a finger ring is an open accusation of homosexuality. But in Tunisia, this gesture can be interpreted as a threat to kill a person. In the United States and Russia, the OK gesture is perceived as normal, which cannot be said about Brazil, where it is considered very obscene.

In France, the “OK” gesture is a symbol of the anus.

We also note that the OK gesture has more than 2500 years of history. Among the ancient Greeks, he was a symbol of love, personifying kissing lips. It was also used to praise the speaker for his speech.

4. V (Victoria)

This is one of the most common gestures in the culture, meaning victory or peace. Shown with the index and middle fingers of the hand pointing upwards in the shape of the Latin letter "V".

The history of the origin of the Victoria gesture goes back to the Middle Ages. According to this version, during Hundred Years War the captured English and Welsh archers, who intimidated the French, were cut off precisely these two fingers on their right hand so that they could not use their bows in the future. The archers, knowing this, teased the French before the battle, showing them intact fingers - "Fear, enemies!".

During the Second World War, this sign was heavily popularized by Winston Churchill to indicate victory, but for this the hand is turned back to the one who shows it. If, with this gesture, the hand is turned with the palm towards the speaker, then the gesture acquires an offensive meaning - “shut up”.

During World War II, Churchill popularized the Victoria gesture.

Another meaning of this gesture is associated with the popular film "V for Vendetta", in which the sign V stands for main character, an anarchist terrorist wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.

5. Sign of the Cross

In Christianity, this gesture denotes a prayer ceremony, which is an image of the cross with a movement of the hand. The sign of the Cross is performed in different occasions, for example, when entering and leaving the temple, before or after saying a prayer, during worship, as a sign of confession of one's faith and in other cases; also when blessing someone or something.

In Orthodoxy, the sign of the cross characterizes the bodily expression of Christian dogmas, the confession of faith in the Holy Trinity and the God-man Jesus Christ, the expression of love and gratitude to God, protection from the actions of dark forces. There are three variants of finger composition: two-finger, three-finger and nominative finger-composition.

So, the two-fingered was adopted along with the Baptism of Russia and prevailed until the reforms of Patriarch Nikon in the middle of the 17th century and was officially recognized in Moscow Russia by the Stoglavy Cathedral of 1550.

It was practiced until the middle of the 13th century in the Greek East. Later it was supplanted by tripartite. When making double fingers, two fingers of the right hand - index and middle - are connected together, symbolizing the two natures of the one Christ, while the middle finger turns out to be slightly bent, which means divine indulgence and incarnation. The three remaining fingers are also connected together, symbolizing Holy Trinity; moreover, in modern practice, the end of the thumb rests on the pads of the other two, which cover it from above. After that, with the tips of two fingers (and only them) they sequentially touch the forehead, abdomen or lower part of the perseus (chest), right and left shoulder. It is also emphasized that one cannot be baptized at the same time as bowing; the bow, if required, should be done after the hand has been lowered.

Using the three fingers to make sign of the cross fold the first three fingers of the right hand (thumb, index and middle), and bend the other two fingers to the palm; after which they sequentially touch the forehead, upper abdomen, right shoulder, then the left. Three fingers put together symbolize the Holy Trinity; symbolic meaning two other fingers different time could be different. So, in Russia, under the influence of controversy with the Old Believers, these two fingers were rethought as a symbol of the two natures of Christ: Divine and human. This interpretation is now the most common, although there are others (for example, in the Romanian Church, these two fingers are interpreted as a symbol of Adam and Eve falling to the Trinity).

An Orthodox priest, blessing people or objects, folds his fingers into a special signet, called nominative. It is believed that the fingers folded in this way depict the letters ICXC to get the name Jesus Christ in ancient Greek spelling.

Catholic prayer books, speaking of the sign of the cross, usually cite only the prayer that is said at the same time (In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti), without saying anything about the combination of fingers. Even Catholic traditionalists, who are usually quite strict about the rite and its symbolism, admit the existence of various options. The most accepted and widespread option in the Catholic world is the sign of the cross with five fingers, open palm, from left to right, in memory of the five wounds on the body of Christ.

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