Fingers crossed for luck, or to lie? Gestures around the world

When you travel abroad and do not know the language of the country you are visiting, sign language often comes to the rescue.

With it, you can catch a taxi, buy groceries in a store or ask for directions.

However, sometimes translation difficulties arise even with gestures familiar to us, which have a completely different meaning in other parts of the world.

Here are 10 typical gestures that may seem rude abroad.

1. Two-finger gesture "Victory"

The "Victoria" gesture, which is shown with the index and middle fingers in the form of the letter V, in many countries means victory or peace. However, if at the same time the palm is turned to the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia, the V-shaped gesture acquires an insulting gesture, which is non-verbal. equivalent to the phrase "back off!".

2. Hand gestures ("munza")

The outstretched palm, which is often used to say "stop," takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms pointing towards the interlocutor, called "munza" is an insulting gesture that is used when they want to express extreme indignation or roughly speaking "send" the interlocutor.

This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to make him an object of ridicule.

3. Gesture "thumbs up"

This gesture of consent and approval often breaks down language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for it on the road. However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although the gesture itself is rather childish, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is the extended middle finger.

4. Beckoning gesture with the index finger

Calling the sign with the index finger, saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture applicable only to dogs and says that you consider the interlocutor below yourself. In addition, the use of this gesture can lead to arrest in this country.

5. Stroking on the head

Stroking a child on the head is usually a gesture of friendliness and tenderness. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul lives. Touching the top of the head is aggressive invasion in the space of a child or an adult. This gesture should be avoided in countries where most people practice the Buddhist religion.

6. Gesture "OK"

Ring of thumb and forefinger "OK", meaning "everything is all right!" or "right", in France means "null" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is very vulgar, having the meaning of a similar opening in the human body or serving allusion to homosexuality. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, "OK" means the evil eye.

7. Gesture "Fig"

The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is not entirely harmless in nature, and is often used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil, this is a more benevolent gesture used to good luck wishes and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger.

8. Gesture with the left hand

In many countries people don't pay attention to what hand they offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand considered "dirty" designed for wiping in the toilet. Even a left-hander should eat with his right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same applies to shaking hands and passing objects.

In Japan, giving with both hands is considered polite, while a one-handed gesture may suggest disdain.

9. Finger crossing

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or the evil eye. In Vietnam, however, this gesture is offensive, especially if you are looking at it or addressing it to another person. It is believed that crossed fingers are the female reproductive organs.

10. Gesture "Goat"

The "Goat" gesture, or as it is also called "horns", "fingering" or "corn" is often used by musicians and their fans. However, you should not show this gesture in Italy, especially to a man, as he alludes to his wife's infidelity("cuckold").

Bonus: obscene "middle finger" gesture

This is the most famous and recognizable obscene gesture in the whole world, which in English corresponds to the swear word "Fuck You" ("went on ...!"). In addition, it is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys.

Roughly speaking, a raised middle finger symbolizes the phallus, and pressed fingers - the scrotum. By showing it, you seem to be offering a "male sexual organ" to another person or rudely refusing the request. Also analogous to this gesture is elbow gesture when the left hand is placed on the fold of the right hand.

In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to indicate something.

Each of us wants to have good luck as his constant companion. It is believed that crossed fingers are one of the tricks to attract her into your life.

good luck symbol

The question of the nature of this gesture, its origin is quite interesting. Most people cannot logically explain why two fingers crossed is a guarantee of achieving your goals. However, this does not prevent them from actively using this technique and even feeling some moral satisfaction and peace of mind from the performed ritual.

An apt remark is that in this way luck certainly does not slip out of hand. Still, a small barrier has been created for her. Crossed fingers will hold her. But after all, it is interesting all the same where such a peculiar tradition came from, and what caused it.

Many rituals have long become a habit and are used unconsciously. It is curious that since childhood, many people begin to cross their fingers.

Story

When you catch yourself using this gesture, you involuntarily ask yourself the question “Why and why am I doing this?” There is enough information in this thread to provide a definitive answer.

The history of this tradition is very ancient. Of course, there is a direct connection here with the symbol of the cross. Moreover, the one on which Jesus was crucified. Since it has been used as a protective symbol since ancient times, it was also believed that crossed fingers could be equated with a wooden or metal crucifix, with the help of which demons, devils, all kinds of ailments and bad thoughts were driven away. First of all, it is a security symbol.

Protection

This was especially true when Christianity was still developing, and wearing special signs around the neck was not so common. Also, since the adherents of this belief had to hide from the Romans who were pursuing them, the crossed middle, ring fingers were some kind of password and a sign that a like-minded person was nearby.

This technique was not forgotten during the Middle Ages, when it was also believed that with its help one could drive away demons and unholy spirits from oneself. In our time, when, in principle, many areas of human life are becoming less and less connected with religious aspects, and this phenomenon, among other things, no longer carries the background of faith. If any supernatural powers are implied, they are not directly identified with the biblical god. Today it is believed that crossed fingers are a magnet for good luck and an opponent of the evil eye.

Variations

It is known that customs in different states can vary greatly. The same goes for this gesture. For example, even while living in Russia, not many people know that until quite recently, crossed fingers meant the truthfulness of a person’s words.

Having been in Vietnam, you can find out that in this way the inhabitants of this country can make serious problems, because the symbol is considered indecent and offensive. It is associated with elements of the female reproductive system. Once in Turkey or Greece, you can find out that this is a sign of the end of a friendly conversation. For Icelanders, this is a way to remember something forgotten. The inhabitants of Denmark use this combination when they swear something. Here lies the metaphor that the promise is tied with a knot.

Of course, when figuring out what crossed fingers mean in the realities of the Western world, you can most often come across meanings related to attracting good luck. It is believed that in this case, all plans should go smoothly. Who knows, perhaps this is just a placebo effect, allowing people to believe not so much in the magical power of a gesture, but in their own strength, backed up by some guarantees of a higher order.

The right combination

What should be done so that luck definitely does not leave you, and dreams surely turn into reality? Cross your fingers for good luck too. Attracting positive energies is not an easy task. Many, imbued with this issue, begin to be interested in which of the fingers should lie on top, and other similar details, which are truly sacred.

Again, if you go back to the original source, that is, Christianity, it is worth looking at the work of an artist named Francisco Ribalt, who is from Spain. Of all his works, the Last Supper, which he created in 1606, gained the greatest fame. It depicts the Savior himself and his inner circle.

His palm forms just the combination in question. Christ is above average. It is believed that just such an arrangement is correct.

A purely Western version of this gesture is its interpretation behind the back of the one who uses such a maneuver. Here we are talking about those situations when a person lies. Thus, he is trying to protect himself from evil spirits, who supposedly should bring punishment for lying.

Healing properties

You can also find interesting information about what crossed fingers mean in medicine. Insidious entities are images that are quite far from human ideas. Much closer to people are their own physical bodies, the pain in which they feel as realistic as possible.

Scientists in England have found that this combination is extremely useful in the fight against painful sensations. P. Haggard, says that a person is subject to control of his own nerve endings. It is important to learn this skill. To this end, the movement of impulses must be initiated.

T. Thunberg, who devoted quite a lot of time to studying situations that are somewhat different from those that we feel when we hit or similar situations, also studied this issue in detail. Fundamental work has been carried out, during which it has been proven that with negative physical sensations, you can cross your fingers and significantly improve your well-being. Thus, it becomes clear that much more serious significance is attached to this gesture than just a magnet for good luck.

It is used as a symbol of the national lottery in the UK, as well as in Ireland, Oregon, Virginia (this sign is very common in other US states).

As they say, our life is in our hands, so all goals are real and achievable.

Through the eyes of a child

Parents or those who have frequent contact with children may have noticed that toddlers often unconsciously use this symbol. It immediately becomes interesting why and why the child crosses his fingers.

Mothers and fathers, of course, wonder if this is pathology, if it means something bad. Child psychologists most often answer that such a phenomenon is not considered a cause for concern. For a child, rather, you need to be happy, because from an early age he practices mudra number 20, practically practices yoga on his fingers. It can even be concluded that children, due to their purity and sensitivity to the world around them, subconsciously feel what position their fingers should take in order to establish peace of mind.

In the process of growing up, such connections break off, and a person loses the ability to feel the world so subtly.

Children's wisdom

So in the situation described above, adults should rather learn from their children than wean them from a habit that many mistakenly begin to consider harmful, looking for a negative connotation in it. Sometimes there is more natural wisdom in children than in us adults.

A child is a concentration of spiritual warmth and light energy. It is worth following him on the path of contact with nature, at a time when he follows you, learning all the features of this cruel world.

Thanks to mudra number 20, you can get rid of a lot of harmful diseases. It is also useful as a preventive measure for colds. It is used at a time when there are complications in the functioning of the nasopharynx, lungs, respiratory tract (in the upper part). Children cross their fingers quite often when they get a cold.

World distribution

This one sign simultaneously combines protection from demons and evil spirits, a symbol of health and mental well-being, and, of course, the success so desired by every person, good luck, throwing the right cards into the deck. After all, it is known that although much depends on us, various factors unknown to us also have a considerable influence on the course of things.

It is important to come to the right place at the right time, but first you need such a place to exist at all. So you can use this gesture to turn the situation in your favor. In any case, even if he does not have real power to influence circumstances, the confidence that a person feels is worth a lot, I understand that I have already made some contribution to my own business, in a certain way I have secured myself, putting an end to all empty doubts and uncertainty in yourself. Moreover, it cannot be a coincidence that the sign was given great importance both in Christian circles and in the East from ancient times.

Such similarities, as a rule, relate only to those things and facts that have a real and material background.

Cross your fingers instead of pain relief

Superstitious people often cross their fingers. This gesture, according to legend, at the same time promotes good luck, protects from troubles or invalidates the oath given by a person ... Recently, scientists from University College London conducted a study that proved that this is not a tradition coming from the depths of time, but also a way ... to dull the pain!

"Grill Illusion"

Historians argue that the custom of crossing fingers originated in the era of early Christianity: this sign, symbolizing the cross, helped Christians recognize each other. Subsequently, a belief was born that crossing fingers saves believers from falling into hell. In the 16th century, Londoners began to use this original "sign of the cross" to ward off evil spirits. It was customary to cross fingers when someone coughed and sneezed, as this action was associated with the machinations of the devil.

Research team leader Patrick Haggard and his colleagues suggested that superstition did not arise from scratch and is associated with getting rid of pain.

The experiment was based on a well-known trick called the "grill illusion", invented more than a hundred years ago by the Swedish doctor Thorsten Thunberg. A blindfold was put on the man's eyes and his index and ring fingers were dipped into a warm liquid, and the middle one into a cold one. After a while, he began to feel a burning pain in his middle finger. By the way, the same thing happens if we touch snow or food that has just been taken out of the freezer. The point is that our the brain is deceived by the temperature difference, and we perceive cold as fire ...

The authors of the experiment used special equipment that was attached to the fingers of the participants. The devices created the same effect as the "grill illusion", and the volunteers experienced very painful sensations. But at the same time, when the subjects were asked to cross their index finger, middle and ring fingers together, the pain practically receded and returned only when the index and ring fingers cooled.

"Mirror" therapy

Experts believe that the human brain, processing signals from body members, takes into account not only their position on the body, but also the position they occupy in space. Most likely, the phenomenon of phantom pains is also associated with this feature, when a missing organ or limb hurts in a person.

They say that the legendary medieval physician Paracelsus sometimes sat his patients in front of a mirror and "persuaded" their illnesses to go to a double on the other side of the glass ... It is not known how effective such treatment was, but even today mirrors are used to heal some ailments, especially pain sensations.

The whole point is that the brain perceives our physical body as a virtual image, which is formed from sensations "coming" from the senses. Previously, scientists believed that in the case of injuries and injuries, pain signals are sent directly to the corresponding brain centers. However, in the mid-60s of the last century, it became clear that our brain is able to reduce the intensity of these signals and even completely block them, producing special substances - endorphins.

How does mirror therapy work? Take people suffering from complex regional pain syndrome. It is common for such patients to experience acute pain in the extremities, which is aggravated by movement or touch. So, the patient is seated in front of a mirror in such a way that only a healthy limb is reflected in it, and he is asked to move his healthy arm or leg, while looking at the mirror reflection. The patient perceives this as if he were moving a diseased limb, but does not experience pain ... This leads to the fact that over time he ceases to feel pain in the other limb.

Phantom pains are treated in a similar way, when amputated limbs “ache”. After all, a healthy limb cannot hurt, which means that the pain disappears ... This technique proved to be especially effective when it came to patients suffering from from two to five months, and the pain decreased after the first session.

Conspiracy or touch?

It also turned out that the amount of endorphins increases with hugs. When touched, the area of ​​​​the brain responsible for the production of endorphins is activated. Remember how, in childhood, your mother, blowing on your bruised knee, said: "The cat is in pain, the dog is in pain, but Sasha is not in pain!" Oddly enough, "talking" often had its effect, and the pain subsided ... But do not forget that at the same time, mother usually also stroked the bruised place, stimulating the brain to produce a "natural painkiller" ...

Ours is a rather complex system, and it does not always require strong drugs to solve problems, often with negative side effects. Perhaps psychotherapy will be much more effective ...

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 and dumb 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 an obscene expression, 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 youth. 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 a protective power. 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 other 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, 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 protective properties are attributed to a gesture in which all fingers are clenched into a fist, except for the index and little fingers, so it is often used by magicians when performing mystical rituals. However, thanks to rock stars, he is more familiar to people as 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, a twisted fist with a sticking out thumb between the other two is a contemptuous form of refusal. In ancient Russia, the fig symbolized coitus, could be used to scare away 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. It 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 lock serve as a kind of psychological barrier. Can inform about various human conditions:

• 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.

It is very difficult to negotiate with a business partner whose fingers are tightly clasped into the castle. 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 express negative emotions with the help of such a friendly five. Namely - the desire to move in the face. They have this manipulation called mundza, it has a funny story of occurrence. So, 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 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.

All of us at least once in our lives called for luck on our side. And they did it each in their own proven way. But since childhood, we know that for good results, you need to keep good luck near you for a while. But how to do it? And again, from somewhere in childhood memories comes the knowledge that you have to cross your fingers. Just cross two fingers: middle and index. It seemed that with this gesture we are holding luck by the tail.

So where did this gesture come from? And why does it symbolize the promise of good luck and luck? It turns out that with just such a gesture - with two crossed fingers, believers greeted each other during the persecution. It was these crossed fingers that showed that one was here, there was nothing to be afraid of. This gesture symbolizes the cross, faith in God and in his protection. So we come to the most important thing ... protection.

Remember how, seeing you off, your mother always tried to cross you. Those. she placed you mentally, but sincerely, with motherly care, under HIS protection. She would gladly protect you herself, but what if she is not around.

With this simple gesture, fingers crossed, we mentally protect ourselves. Protection from adversity and trouble. But this is already good luck. And even in pagan times, people believed that where the cross appears, the spirit wakes up. Whether he was good or evil is not so important, this spirit was called to help the one who put up the cross.

Now let's remember how children cross two fingers behind their backs when they lie. This is already an influence from watching American films, but there is such a thing in our life. Why is the gesture of protection transferred behind the back? It is believed that in this way the human image is turned over, i.e. You can do things that you normally wouldn't do. All the same, the spirit does not recognize you. Therefore, he will not be punished for lying. Those. it is permission for oneself to misbehave.

Remember how sometimes people try to cross the place where the black cat has passed? Back forward. So the same meaning is put into the crossed fingers behind the back.

One day, a friend of mine told me that her little son crossed his fingers on his hands. She then was very surprised at this skill of his. And the doctor, a woman of about 50, said that children are very wise creatures. They heal themselves, protect themselves, protect themselves. They just do it the way their subconscious tells them - they make mudras with their fingers. Remember, this is yoga for the fingers. But after all, in mudras, every gesture that speaks, every gesture carries a certain protection. Some even heal.

So whatever happens in this world, everything makes sense. And very often this meaning is a little different from what we used to think. And if crossed fingers help you keep your luck - don't get lost, everything is in your hands.