Raised index finger up - gesture

One of the means of storing and exchanging information are symbols or signs which, to one degree or another, are the basis of any writing that was created ancient man, who mastered stone as a tool for applying proto-writing. Another way for people to exchange information through a visual channel was through gestures. Of course, gestures could not store information, since the human body is a dynamic object, but in a certain period of time they transmitted it perfectly.

This is body language with the help of which a person could convey information or a message at a distance or secretly from other people. We ourselves do not notice how we use body language, conversation time, among ourselves and call it gesticulation. Sometimes complementing the emotional expression with some beautiful or not so beautiful gesture.

(in the photo there is a girl showing the “OK” hand gesture, which means “everything is fine”)

Hand gestures are separate category gestures that you are able to create with your body. This is probably even the most common category of gestures that a person uses in everyday life. There are many different hand gestures that different corners planets may have different meanings. From extremely positive to extremely negative. For example, a gesture of twisting the index finger at the temple may have following values: V South America"thinking" or "I think"; in Italy "eccentric personality", and in some countries it can be considered an insult "you're an idiot" or "you're crazy". For example, the harmless “OK” gesture shown by the girl in the photo above is offensive in France and means “you’re a complete zero” or “nothing.”

Showing a certain interest in gestures, symbols, signs, as well as emblems and heraldry, as well as in the religion Islam, my acquaintance with which connects me even more closely than with Christianity (surely you have already read my articles on the topic and) I was interested in one gesture, which today is gaining popularity among representatives of a certain religious denomination - index finger right hand vertically raised up.

(Photo from the Internet)

Surely you yourself have often seen photographs with a similar gesture. Unfortunately, the guy on the far right, in the photo above, is holding up the finger of the wrong hand. But this is a common phenomenon among religious people who themselves do not know all the details of the religion they profess. The left hand is considered "unclean" in Islam.

This gesture is not neglected today not only ordinary people, young people in random photographs, but also public people.

Tula Arsenal forward Khyzyr Appaev.

President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov

Irtysh champion, April 2013

Kazakh boxer Madiyar Ashkeev

Kazakh heavyweight boxer Isa Askerbaev

Russian boxer Albert Selimov

In general, you understand that such gestures are not uncommon among athletes, and in particular in our homeland. If you take a closer look at the photographs of our wrestlers and boxers, you will notice many such gestures. And this list of photos could be continued...

What is the meaning of this gesture? Or what a person is trying to convey to others by showing it in photographs.

People demonstrating this gesture seem to remind people around them that Allah Almighty exists, he is above and he sees everything. Or Allah is one.

What do official or traditional Islam and its representatives think about this? Or what Muslims who consider themselves such generally think about this.

Specifically in Holy Quran nothing is said about this gesture. But, although in Islam the primary book is the Koran, most interpretations and information are drawn from the so-called tafsirs and hadiths.

It is not clear where this gesture actually came from, but there are certain references that supposedly, while reading the Tashahhud, the prophet raised his finger up.

So what do they say about this gesture and the need for it? the answer gives .

Question:

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh. Some people raise their index finger when pronouncing the word atahiatu. Is this correct? If yes, then why? Thanks in advance.

Answer:

Wa alaikum assallam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

All praise and thanks be to Allah, peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother Aibek! We thank you for your trust. We call upon Allah Almighty to illuminate our hearts for the truth and grant us blessings in this world and on the Day of Judgment. Amen.

In his famous book"Fiqh As-Sunnah" Sheikh Said Sabik provides the following information:

1- Ibn Umar reported that when the Prophet sat in the tashahhud, he would place his left hand on his left knee and his right hand on his right knee, put his fingers in a ring and raised his index finger. Another narration says: “ He closed his hand and raised his index finger” (Muslim).

2- Wail ibn Hajar reported that the Prophet laid left palm on the left thigh and knee, the right elbow on the right thigh and then bent right palm into the ring. Another narration says: “ He bent his middle and thumb into a ring and raised his index finger. When he raised his finger, (Va'il) saw that he was moving it while reciting a prayer"(Ahmad). Al-Baihaqi explains this hadith this way: “He moved it” means that he lifted it, and did not continue to move it.” This is consistent with the report of Ibn Az-Zubayr: “When performing prayer, the Prophet pointed his finger and did not move it.” Abu Dawud reports the same with an authentic (sahih) chain of transmitters, and also mentions Nawawi.

3- Az-Zubair reported: “When the Prophet sat while performing tashahhud, he would place his right hand on his right thigh and his left hand on his left thigh. He only raised his middle finger, but did not look in his direction” (Ahmad, Muslim, An-Nasai). This hadith shows that everyone should place his right hand on his right thigh without clenching his hand [palm] (into a fist), but should not look in the direction in which his middle finger is pointing.

The previous three hadiths are authentic and one can act on any of them.

While the worshiper is saying salam at the end of the prayer, he should raise his right index finger, bending it slightly. Numair Al-Khaza'i reported: "I saw the Messenger of Allah sitting in prayer with his hand on his right thigh. His index finger was raised, slightly curved (or bent), and he was reciting a prayer" (Ahmad, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Ibn Khuzaim with a reliable chain of transmitters).

Anas ibn Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed by Saad while he was praying with two fingers raised. The Prophet told him: "Only one, Saad"”(Ahmad, Abu Daoud, An-Nasai. Al-Hakim).

Ibn Abbas was asked about a person who raised his finger in prayer and he said: “This is true devotion.”

According to Shafi'i, you only need to lift your finger once, when pronouncing the words “except Allah” in a testimony (that is, there is no god except Allah). Hanafis raise their finger on the refuting part of the statement (there is no god) and lower it on the affirmative part (except Allah). Malikis move their finger left and right until the end of the prayer. Hanbalis raise a finger at every mention of Allah, thereby pointing to His uniqueness, but do not move it”.

And finally, Sheikh Atiya Saqr notes: “Moving the index finger is not a pillar and not an obligatory action of prayer, so it does not matter. What is important is the observance of khushu in our prayers and the fulfillment of the pillars and obligatory actions of prayer, and these are decisive questions in its acceptance [and it plays decisive role for its acceptance].”

Allah Almighty knows best.

In general, as you understand from the text above... there is no specification, but there is recorded testimony from witnesses.

Another states that there is nothing at all about the combination of folded fingers and raised index finger.

Somehow ambiguous...

Well, what do believers themselves think about this:

Understand this issue and it was not possible to find certain specifics. As I understand, this does not work for the believers themselves, who leave these questions on various religious sites of varying degrees of authority and receive diametrically opposed answers. I'd like to figure it out...

Also, especially radicals do not miss the opportunity to use this gesture.

Doku Umarov, with the guys

I don't know these guys...

Any gesture or action should be assessed only in the context of a specific event; the meanings of the same action can vary greatly depending on characters, situation and cultural environment. But you can at least try to understand what the raised index finger means, and what is the meaning of this action.

Subtext of gestures

The main differences in the perception of nonverbal signs are associated precisely with the environment in which they are used. The subtext can be of almost any nature:

• Religious.
• Political.
• National.
• Regional.
• Subcultural.

Therefore, before dealing with the gesture itself, it is better to take a closer look at who the sign itself is coming from. Labeling is not the most noble activity, but in at the moment To fully understand the situation, this is a necessary evil.

It is worth noting that most gestures express strong emotions which the interlocutor sometimes finds it difficult to convey in words. So, once in a different language or cultural environment, you should familiarize yourself with at least as quickly as possible minimum set signs and gestures that are used in it. A warning or even a threat not understood in time can lead to dire consequences.

The meaning of the index finger in Islam

In our country, the gesture is used by the majority of the population in order to draw the attention of the interlocutor or interrupt someone’s speech. IN lately This sign is not used very often, but if in the middle of a conversation a person raised his index finger up:

1. The opponent has something to object to.
2. The interlocutor does not want to interrupt you and is ready to wait for you to speak out.
3. Once you finish your speech, be prepared to listen to objections.

If at the same time a person moves his index finger from side to side, this can only mean one thing - they categorically disagree with your ideas and are not even ready to seriously discuss them. In such cases, it is better to stop talking. What’s interesting is that in almost all cultures this sign is interpreted in the same way.

But more often you can see photographs of natives of the Caucasus, in which representatives of different nationalities raise their index finger upward. One could think about some kind of national issue, but this is what representatives of almost all nationalities and nationalities from this region do.

What do they all have in common? Islam. And the raised index finger symbolizes monotheism and faith in their one god - Allah. During every prayer, a Muslim must raise his index finger to the sky, so that in this way Muslims demonstrate their piety. Or they simply follow an old habit, imitating the older generation.

Europeans and thumbs up

You can encounter a demonstration of this gesture even far from native land. For example, in the same Germany. One would think that the wave of migration from the Middle East had finally overwhelmed the region and that its people now boasted of their piety. But that's not the point at all:

• The raised index finger is an old German gesture.
• Information about it goes back at least 3-4 centuries.
• The sign can be literally translated as: “everything is fine with me.”

While the whole world, like the Romans, raised its thumb up, the Germans decided to go their own way. The initiative may be commendable, but it is perceived as quite unusual.

The Dutch also have a somewhat similar gesture, only the interlocutor adds tapping himself on the forehead to the raised index finger. In this context, the gesture is interpreted unambiguously - the interlocutor appreciated your intellectual abilities.

It’s true that this gesture is not used very often in the Netherlands. Not because local residents few people are considered truly smart, it’s just outdated, like many other non-verbal signs. All languages ​​of the world have shown a tendency towards simplification over the past 20 years, so that now even a complex thought can be expressed with a couple of words or a simple set of abbreviations.

Index finger in fine art

You can also see the raised index finger in many works of art. Including works dedicated to Christianity. For two thousand years now, this gesture in art has not had a single interpretation:

• Satan is almost always depicted with his index finger or index and middle fingers raised upward.
• Many Christian saints on canvases stretch their index finger to the sky, which symbolizes their connection with something magical and beyond comprehension.
• The finger rising to the sky also shows the desire of the depicted person to understand the secrets of the world around him.

It turns out that the main themes are secrets, mysticism, magic and knowledge of the world around us. Thus, in the paintings, with the help of this gesture, a person’s desire for something more is symbolized, which is not always useful for the immortal soul.

Perhaps sculptors and artists put some other hidden text into their works. But not even all the paintings, sculptures and bas-reliefs have reached us. What can we say about some notes and explanations. Especially when you consider that in most cases they simply did not exist in the first place. People of art prefer to leave at least some semblance of a mystery.

What does a raised index finger mean?

If the interlocutor suddenly raised his index finger to the sky:

1. He wants to interrupt you to object and insert his own argument.
2. He is not interested in your idea and does not want to discuss it.
3. The Muslim suddenly remembered the unity of Allah and decided to remind about it.
4. The German says that everything is fine with him.
5. The Dutchman admires your intelligence.
6. Dagestani says

To understand which of the five options is suitable for a given situation, all you have to do is take a closer look at your interlocutor. However, sometimes very funny coincidences happen. If you see a thumbs up in a photograph, and the photo was taken somewhere in the forest, and everyone posing in military uniform and with beards, the gesture is of a religious nature.

The problem of terrorism in some regions has not yet been fully resolved, but the life expectancy of members of illegal armed groups in recent years decreased sharply. So most likely similar photos every year there will be less and less.

It is worth knowing all the meanings of a new word or gesture before using it. By finding out what a raised index finger means, you can save yourself from getting into sticky situations.

Video about gestures

In this video, Muslim will tell you what the gesture of a raised index finger can mean, and what it has to do with Islam:

Gestures made from combinations of fingers in different cultures have very different meanings. So, for example, the “thumbs up” symbol can speak both of a decision to pardon the vanquished (a famous gesture during the fight of Roman gladiators), and of a common request for a ride, to take a fellow traveler (hitchhiking), if we are talking about a thumb raised up by the road somewhere in America. The index finger carries other information. Let's take a closer look.

What is this thumbs up symbol?

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

1. For Muslims, the index finger of the right hand raised up 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 an index finger raised up means a call for the attention of others, and in American schools, students thus ask the teacher for permission to answer a question.
4. If during a 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 refusal of what was proposed or an unwillingness to discuss the topic.

What are we talking about when we raise our thumbs up?

The symbol - the index and thumb connected with the rest 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 session, will raise his little finger up and his thumb to the side. This is where you probably want to respond to him with the gesture described above. Still: “Everything is great”! And a Frenchman can raise his little finger in response, which will mean: “Leave me alone!”

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

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

Most common symbol

Thumbs up in other cases too. The truth is not one, but two: we are talking about the V-shaped sign with the index and middle fingers, known in European countries.

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

Another gesture is no less popular: “goat”. We are talking about the index finger and little finger raised up. In the CIS this is a notorious “rocker” symbol. A thumbs up is raised in a similar way as a sign of superiority over someone, a desire to humiliate him. Although in mystical rituals this sign is protection from dark forces.

What does the index finger up sign mean for Muslims?

Quite often lately you can see in photographs or video reports how Muslim militants raise their index finger up. It turns out that this gesture in itself does not mean anything offensive or provocative for Muslims. This is simply a statement expressed by a gesture that Allah is one, that is, the index finger simply means one. Although some people seriously suspected that this gesture was an analogue of the European raised middle finger, and I even had to read an explanation that this was an offensive gesture, because this finger in the desert lands is considered an analogue of the Russian burdock.

Azamatik

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

I don’t understand why they should do this for show, take pictures while performing this gesture, etc.

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

Yannet

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

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

Alla ㋛ ♠♣♦

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

Evgeny Ardynsky, is your god Jesus? You don’t even know who your God is, how can you call everything else evil!?
The central figure 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 one image of God for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

They heard a ringing, but they don’t know where it came from! Among Wahhabis, a common sign is the index finger extended upward. 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 love to pose in photos with such a “finger,” thereby wanting to show their “monotheism.” However, there are no hadiths that speak of such a finger as a symbol of Islam or monotheism.
Where did this gesture come from?
The fact is that the index finger extended upward 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 black magic rituals, 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 a raised index finger mean for Muslims?

On the Internet you can often find images of Muslims raising their right index finger up.

Like many other gestures, this one has its own meaning among different peoples.

Among Russians, a straightened index finger with the rest bent at the same time is used as a regular pointer, and well-mannered citizens consider this gesture to be too deliberate and therefore unacceptable.

In Muslim society it has a completely different meaning.

Origin of the gesture

Islam is one of the youngest world religions, incorporating the experience of many others. cultural traditions and beliefs.

The gesture of an upraised index finger was borrowed from the pagans of the Mediterranean. First of all, among the Greeks, for whom it denoted an invisible connection with the world of the gods. During the Renaissance, famous masters of painting often depicted heroes with a raised finger ancient epic, historical figures, even angels. This can be seen in the works of da Vinci, Raphael, and other artists and sculptors.

The raised finger literally points to the sky, where immortal deities live. But Islam, as a monotheistic religion, could not borrow this gesture from the pagans in exactly the same meaning.

If a Muslim raises his index finger, he thereby affirms monotheism. The gesture literally symbolizes that neither in this sublunary world nor in heaven there is any other Lord except Allah. Muslims seem to say: “God is one, just like this raised finger.” This gesture is often used when reciting the Shahadah “La Ilaha Illallah.” This is the main prayer-testimony of faith in the One God Allah and his Prophet Muhammad.

Wahhabism and other movements

Not all Muslims use the gesture of an index finger raised to the sky. It is popular among representatives of some movements of Islam, for example, Wahhabism. This is one of the newest directions, formed approximately in XVIII century. Wahhabis often raise their index finger to emphasize their commitment to monotheism.

Opponents of the Wahhabis (usually traditionalist Muslims) do not accept this gesture. Some even argue that it does not indicate religious zeal, but the worship of Satan. Among Satanists one can often find an image of the devil with a similar gesture.

Others believe that it is used by Freemasons.
Source: What does a raised index finger mean for Muslims?

What does the index finger raised up mean?

Slavic peoples regard this gesture as a request to pay attention, a desire to interrupt the interlocutor’s speech, or to make an emphasis, a pause (depending on the text). If you bring your index finger to your chin, this may mean that the person is listening attentively and is thinking, and if you bring it to your lips, it may mean that you are asking the other person to shut up. In Muslim countries, this right hand gesture signifies monotheism: “There is no other God but Allah.” In France, you can use this gesture to ask the waitress for another glass of wine, in Germany - “Everything is fine,” “Excellent.” In American schools, this gesture is analogous to raising your hand in class in our schools, if you want to give an answer. Well, if you shake your raised index finger from side to side, then this is almost everywhere perceived as denial, disagreement, “No!”

Vladimir09854

Each nation has its own concepts on this matter.

For example, at Slavic peoples a raised index finger may mean that the interlocutor wants to interrupt you to say something.

This may be an objection.

This could be to attract the attention of the interlocutor (for example, a teacher at school, when children are angry in class). It could be swearing, like Nununu! Or maybe just indicating the upward direction. It all depends on the context that accompanies this gesture. This concerns the Slavs.

In the Muslim world, this gesture means only one thing:

And there is also the meaning of this gesture in the Lezginka dance:

And now a little humor on this topic.

Andrey1961

It’s not difficult to see people with a raised finger in a photo, what does this gesture mean, what is the trend? Somewhere they even interpret it as a sign taken from Satanism. But the most plausible explanation is quite simple. For Muslims, this gesture carries the expression, God is one, like the index finger. A gesture used by one people has a different meaning for another people. In the Philippines, this gesture would mean that you rate the person you are communicating with below you and the gesture serves to humiliate the person. In the photo the gesture does not mean anything bad.

Most likely, such a gesture means that the person thought about it and came up with something. Perhaps a person had an idea that he really liked. In general, the index finger pointing up can mean anything, it all depends on the situation.

A question for Muslims and those who know. What does a raised index finger or ring finger mean?

3. Imran's family
In the name of Allah, the merciful, the merciful
1. Alif. Lam. Mime.

2. Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Living, the Sustainer of life.

3. He sent down to you the Scripture with the truth to confirm what was before it. He sent down the Taurat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel),

4. which were formerly guides for the people. He also sent down the Discrimination (Quran). Indeed, those who do not believe in the signs of Allah are destined for severe torment, for Allah is Mighty, Capable of retribution.

5. Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, neither on earth nor in heaven.

6. He is the One who gives you in the womb such a form as He wishes. There is no deity but Him, the Mighty, the Wise.

7. He is the One Who sent down to you the Scripture, in which there are clearly stated verses that constitute the mother of the Scripture, as well as other verses that are allegorical. Those whose hearts turn aside follow the allegorical verses, wanting to sow confusion and achieve interpretation, although no one knows the interpretation except Allah. And those who have thorough knowledge say: “We believed in him. All this is from our Lord." But only those with intelligence remember edification.

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

Gesture meanings

Victoria

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

Muntz

A gesture in the form of an outstretched palm. 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 "everything is fine."

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

Thumbs up and down

Thumbs up means agreement and approval. The sign is often used when hitchhiking to catch a car.

In Thailand, this gesture is a sign of condemnation. And in Iran, giving a thumbs up is considered an offensive gesture.

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

Index finger

The index finger is used for one or another gesture depending on the situation. For example, if you put a finger to your lips, the sign will mean “silence.”

If the finger is raised up, it means “attention” or “stop”.

If the interlocutor shakes his index finger from side to side, it means he does not agree with what was said. A slightly inclined swinging finger is used when teaching (for example, when scolding children).

If you twist your finger at your temple, you recognize your interlocutor as “crazy.”

Middle finger

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

Fig

Or in other words, fig - a gesture in the form of a fist, where the thumb is inserted between the index and middle fingers. Used in cases of disagreement with the interlocutor. "Rejection" also has the meaning.

Another sign is often used as “protection” from the evil eye.

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

Crossing your fingers

In many countries, crossing the index and middle fingers is used to attract 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, this gesture is used to entertain young children, associating the sign with a “horned goat.”

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

In Colombia, this sign is shown when people want to wish them good luck.

Shaka

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

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

Spire

The gesture looks like joined fingertips. Confident people use it. Usually the sign is used by people who are more inclined to talk than to gesture.

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

Closed thumb and index fingers

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

Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

In this case, the gesture means "money".

Sometimes a sign is used when trying to remember an event or word. If the result is positive, the sign changes to a click.

You may be interested in our articles.

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 towards the situation or interlocutor. Having studied some gestures with your fingers and their meaning, you can succinctly formulate any message and quickly convey it to others, as the deaf and dumb do. Let's look at the most common signs and explain their meaning.

Thumbs up and down

With a gesture thumbs up Everyone has known each other almost since childhood. Usually it symbolizes approval or agreement, 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 transport. However, you need to be careful when using your fingers to communicate with foreigners, because in the sign language of the inhabitants of Australia, Greece and Great Britain such a sign is regarded as an obscene expression, and among 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 dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction. Today it is reflected on social networks and the YouTube channel. The pictogram depicting it is called a “dislike”.

Index finger

The next gesture is not so unambiguous and is deciphered depending on the situation, taking into account additional signals. This is the index finger up. There are several options for its interpretation:

• applied to the center of the lips - asked to remain silent;
• raised 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.

By his position during a conversation, they determine whether a person is telling the truth or lying. If, for example, the eyes are looking in one direction, and the index finger is pointing in the other and slightly bent, then the interlocutor is most likely insincere.

Middle finger up

Ever since ancient Rome In almost all civilized countries, the meaning of the middle finger gesture was indecent and offensive. Extended upward, it symbolizes today the male genital organ. This is a rough form of the phrase "Get out!" or “Fuck off!” among young people. In our country, it is borrowed from cool American action films and vulgar 18+ youth comedies.

Crossing your 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 power. This gesture signifies the unity of faith and strength and is associated with the cross. One of the fingers symbolizes hope for best 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 punishment from higher powers.

Research by British scientists from University College proves that such actions are not unfounded. They even found scientific confirmation. In their opinion, the gesture really helps reduce pain. But don’t even think about showing it to a Vietnamese unless you want to seriously offend him.

Two fingers up V – victory

In Russia and many others European countries the 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, pointing high, 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 an insult if the hand is turned back side 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 by showing three fingers at the same time - thumb, index and middle. In the Russian mind, this sign means the number or quantity 3.

Goat

Few people know that the 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 the “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 telephone conversation, request or promise to call back. But if the action is accompanied by a characteristic tilt of the head or touching the little finger to the lips, then it takes on a different meaning associated with a call to drink alcoholic beverages and use narcotic cigarettes.

In Hawaii, "Shaka" is seen as a sign of greeting. It is popular among athletes in surfing, skydiving and Brazilian jiu-jitsu wrestling. 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 is no problem and everything is fine. The residents' favorite sign. However, in Turkey it is offensive to those to whom it is addressed, as it implies an accusation of non-traditional sexual orientation.

Fig or fig

Russians have a curled fist with the thumb sticking out between the other two - this is a contemptuous form of refusal. IN ancient Rus' the fig symbolized coitus, could be used to scare away evil spirits. There are several other 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 you can find pendants, pendants and figurines depicting figs there.

Spire folded with fingertips

As psychologists note, balanced individuals who are confident in their strengths and their own competence connect their fingertips with a “house”. The spire can mean reflection at the moment of acceptance important decision or demonstrate increased interest in the interlocutor’s words.

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

Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

Such manipulation can be seen in crime films. It means banknotes that are virtually crunchy in your hands. Another such gesture is used at a time when you need to clarify your thought, or urgently remember something, but it just doesn’t work out.

Fingers clasped

Clenched hands serve as a kind of psychological barrier. Can inform about various human conditions:

• on the head - anxiety, confusion, shock;
• on the knees - hidden tension, stiffness;
• in front of you, while your head is directed upward - an expression of distrust of the information provided, disagreement with the opinion expressed.

It is very difficult to come to an agreement with a business partner whose fingers are tightly clasped. To help him relax, you need to invite him to watch something and then try to discuss the issue again.

In most countries, an 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 saying goodbye 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 on the face. They call this manipulation munza, and it has a funny origin story. Thus, at the dawn of the 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 a bent finger extended forward, people most often call to themselves someone with whom they want to sort things out. It is perceived by a person as a joke, but sometimes it can offend. It is a sign of a lack of culture among those who use it.

Fist

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

Russian and English alphabet with gestures

The language of the deaf and mute is the main way of their interaction with 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 presented more clearly in the form of a table.

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