Crossed fingers sign. What do crossed fingers mean? Allan Pease on body language


"Come here"

The calling sign with the index finger saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is only appropriate for dogs and indicates that you consider the interlocutor to be lower than you. Moreover, the use of such a gesture can lead to arrest in that country.

"Goat"

"Goat" is loved by rock musicians, metalheads and their fans. However, you should not show it in Italy, Spain or Macedonia, especially to a man, as the gesture hints at the infidelity of the addressee's wife ("cuckold"). Among superstitious people in Western countries, the sign "goat" means the same as we have a spit over our shoulder, that is, the usual protection from the evil eye, witches and various evil spirits.


"Like"

The usual “like”, a gesture of consent and approval, often erases language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for them on the road.

However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although it is more childlike, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of the middle finger. In some other countries, such as Greece, such a gesture means "shut up."


Gesture "Victory"

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

The fact is that the English archers, who intimidated the enemies in the 100-year Anglo-French War, were cut off precisely these two fingers on their right hand so that they could no longer shoot from bows. And if the archer showed undamaged fingers like that, it meant "be afraid, enemies!". The French perceived this gesture as an insult to them.


exposed palm

The outstretched hand, which expresses a request to stop or stop, in Greece takes on a different meaning. Palms directed towards the interlocutor - the so-called "munza" - are used when they want to express extreme indignation or "send" the interlocutor. This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to ridicule him.


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 an aggressive intrusion into a person's space. This gesture should be avoided in countries where most people practice Buddhism.


"Fig"

The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil and Portugal, this is a more benevolent gesture, a way of wishing good luck and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger. Fingers folded in a fig are associated with sex in many countries. In Arab countries, kukish means a sexual insult. In France, this figure of three fingers means the same as the extended middle finger of the hand.


offer, invitation

In many countries, people do not pay attention to what hand they offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand is considered "dirty". Even a left-hander should eat with his right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same goes for shaking hands and passing objects. But in Japan, it is considered polite when you give with both hands, while a gesture with one hand may suggest neglect.


Crossed fingers

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


Middle finger

This is the most famous and recognizable indecent gesture in the whole world, which is shown when they want to send the interlocutor to hell, end the conversation or rudely refuse. In addition, this is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys. In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to indicate something.


Gesture OK

Thumb and forefinger ring meaning "everything is alright!" or "OK", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is considered a hint of homosexuality. And in some countries of the Middle East, for example, in Kuwait, it means the evil eye.


Other gestures in different countries

In Argentina, keeping your hands in your pockets is considered indecent, in Japan it is not recommended to tighten your belt in public - this means the beginning of hara-kiri. Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks, when they say "Yes", shake their heads from side to side, but for us it means "No". By touching the eyelid with a finger, in Italy they express benevolence, in Spain, with the help of this gesture, they express their doubt about the veracity of what was said, and the Frenchman makes it clear to the person with such a gesture that he talks too much. When an Englishman wants to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers folded together, and in the USA this gesture means a single whole, a team.

Raised index finger, crossed legs, crossed arms… Is it accidental? Of course not! Every gesture, every movement of the body conveys a message and reveals our emotional state: enthusiasm, disagreement, worries, deceit, aggression.

What do gestures mean?

A polite word can sometimes hide not so kind intentions, but their behavior and gestures will certainly betray them. If the words do not match the behavior, pay attention to the information that the gesture carries. The body will never lie!

“What I see speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you are saying,” wrote Shakespeare. The meaning of behavior and the significance of gestures in communicating with people fundamental!

First, a person is seen, then he is heard, and then he is already perceived in one way or another. The human brain perceives incoming information by 84% through sight, 9% through hearing, and 7% through other senses: touch, smell, etc.

Learn to recognize gestures

According to Edward Hall, an outstanding American specialist in the field of communication, in everyday communication when transmitting information, a gesture accounts for 55% of the meaning, the voice (which reflects the totality of the manner of speech, loudness and intonation) accounts for 38%. Whereas the real meaning of words is expressed by only 7% of the perception by meaning!

All this speaks of the great importance of visual contact in communicating with people. To be convinced of the validity of this conclusion, it is enough to recall how difficult it is to say delicate things on the phone due to the lack of gestures and glances.

To simplify relationships with clients and partners, learn to guess the intentions of your interlocutors, check them, and also make the right impression yourself - use our recommendations. You will gain invaluable experience that will come in handy more than once in life.

Hand gestures

Watching the work of professionals: politicians and TV presenters, you notice how stingy they are with gestures. Only crossed arms, yes pencils or wedding rings, which they sometimes fiddle with so as not to betray their emotions. However, such gestures indicate hidden thoughts that they are trying to hide. Pay special attention to the correspondence of gestures to the meaning of speech:

  • If they say: “Yes, yes, you are right! I'm just thinking about it" , crossing your arms or buttoning your jacket buttons - be careful, your interlocutor is insincere!
  • Index finger pointing at another, on the floor, or raised up - means a desire to seize the initiative in a conversation. That is, you are dealing with a tough nut to crack.
  • Raised palms - gesture of sincerity, reconciliation, reassurance. Means that the connection is established and there is no ill will or "rear" thoughts.
  • Palms turned outward and extended in front of you - a sign of protection or rejection of the interlocutor. That way they keep their distance. Therefore, do not believe if at this moment they say to you: "I will help you, you can count on me."
  • Crossed fingers - the meaning of the gesture is transparent. Indicates a desire to end communication. This is a break, rejection of an idea or an interlocutor.
  • Hands raised to the mouth (if a person covers his mouth with his hands) - this is a kind of protection, and a desire to hide intentions.
  • Crossed arms - mean an obstacle like a bulletproof vest, with the help of which a person defends himself from his interlocutor. The more expressive this gesture, the greater the barrier. This behavior is typical of a tense environment. Shows that a person feels threatened and insecure.
  • Hands in front of you, placed on the table - show that a person expresses his point of view, asserts himself in his thoughts, but not aggressively.
  • Hands down and not touching . With one hand, the interlocutor leans at ease on the table, he put the other on his hip - this is a sign of emancipation. The person feels at ease. He trusts you and does not need evidence and facts.

Any conversation is mobile, it develops. When you express your thoughts, it is quite natural to accompany your speech with hand movements. These movements indicate the strength of your conviction. And vice versa, if the hands are motionless, this is a sign of a certain indifference or self-control, behind which something may be hidden.

Foot gestures

The most eloquent types of behavior:

  • crossed legs - the usual defensive position. But if they are braided under the seat or behind the leg of a chair, this is a sign of anxiety and indecision.
  • Leg to leg - means an expression of superiority over the interlocutor.
  • Legs extended in front of you or in front of the seat - a sign of ease. He says that a person is mastering someone else's territory, but without any hostility. Indicates a certain conviction about what the conversation is about.

Gait gestures

Our walk speaks for itself, it reveals our essence. Learn to decipher the meaning of walking.



Lies, know how to detect them

As soon as a person begins to lie, certain details in his behavior indicate this. What gives a lie:

Breath - a change in the rhythm of breathing shows a lack of conviction in one's words or just a lie. So having lied to a person, you need to “clear” your conscience (of course, unconsciously). This is accompanied by a stronger exhalation, betraying embarrassment.

Eyes - if you carefully observe a lying person, you will notice that at the moment when he is deceiving, his pupil changes. It shrinks and becomes narrower. This is even more obvious if the person wears glasses.

Gestures - lies are often accompanied by touching the face, mouth, other parts of the body. If a person rubs the bridge of the nose or the folds around the lips, then this eloquently convicts him of a lie. Another unmistakable indicator of deception - a person begins to scratch his head, rub his ear or hand. Take note!

The three main signs of sign language

The psychology of gesture

Interlocutor verification system. It is not always possible to recognize the cause of the barriers that people put in communication. But the posture adopted in the conversation can determine the further development of events. Understanding the psychology of this gesture, you can predict or correct the situation. Learn to decipher the signals that come from your interlocutors, clients or partners through their postures, facial expressions and gestures. This is not only very useful, but sometimes quite entertaining.

For example:

The interlocutor tries to get closer to you - leaning forward says without any doubt that he likes you. So there is an understanding between you.

The interlocutor moves away from you, creates distance and shows your disagreement with what you are saying. Perhaps the conversation simply became uninteresting for him. Or he wants to cool your ardor. Try to determine what caused such a reaction in order to correct the situation.

Head tilt left or right - the interlocutor appeals to your feelings, looking for common ground in order to get what you want.

The interlocutor leans his head on his fists - gesture "barrier", expressing hostility. Your interlocutor is stubborn. It is better to change the topic of conversation and not insist on what causes such a reaction.

Putting a hand on the forehead - he's just thinking hard about what you're saying. He is interested in the topic of conversation.

Touching the forehead with several fingers - concentration of attention on a certain moment, the work of thought requires effort to activate memory. Do not skimp on explanations, work on the topic.

Rules of conduct at business meetings

Gesture communication

Currently, HR specialists actively use the interpretation of the gestures of applicants. Sometimes you react to what is said quite involuntarily. The body can confirm with its posture agreement, or vice versa, a divergence of views. Although you may not even notice it. How to behave in order to avoid traps?

How can

Try to be natural. Be open and receptive. The more in agreement you are with yourself, the more consistent and natural your gestures will be. But as soon as you begin to control yourself, your gestures will show a clamp, awkwardness, which means a discrepancy with what you say. And it will immediately become noticeable. Therefore, to begin with, rehearse the interview at home.

How impossible

  • It is sluggish to extend a hand when shaking hands, or vice versa, to squeeze the fingers of your interlocutor.
  • Avert your gaze. Look directly into the face of your interlocutor. After all, you are referring to him.
  • Keep your head down while speaking. On the contrary, keep your head straight, tilting it slightly forward.
  • Take up a defensive position at all times with "closed" gestures, such as crossed arms or legs.
  • Cling to the chair, braiding your legs over the legs of the chair.
  • Sit still throughout the conversation. You need to periodically “unstuck” from the seat to show interest in the conversation.
  • Hide your legs by tucking them under the seat. This is a sign that you are feeling uncomfortable. And also the fact that you lack entrepreneurship.
  • Speak with your index finger raised, cross your arms, or turn your palms outward. The interlocutor will immediately realize that you are building a barrier.
  • Wash your hands constantly. This gesture feels false!
  • He worries about his appearance, brushing off imaginary dust particles from his sleeve, pulling, straightening a dress or accessories.

Gesture perceptions in different cultures

The same gestures can sometimes have different meanings, depending on the country and its culture.

Sight : in Western culture, it is customary to look the interlocutor in the eye. This is a way of expressing attentiveness to another person, respect for his words.

Then, as in Japan, looking into the eyes of the interlocutor is impolite. The gaze should focus on the level of the tie or handkerchief.

head shake : in our country it expresses some doubt "yes" - "no". And in Bulgaria, the same wiggle means "yes."

Distance: Europeans always keep a certain distance when addressing another person. It is customary for Arabs to speak at close range. They always approach the interlocutor, bending their arm, and almost touching him. So do the women. They love contact, closeness and often refer to other women as girlfriends.

Surprisingly, but true: superstitions and signs come true. Especially those in which a person believes or wants to believe.

So everyone wants to attract changeable luck into their lives and keep it around them for as long as possible. Luck is attracted by a horseshoe, coin, clover and other amulets.

Crossed fingers will also help to fulfill the desired


Crossed fingers are a powerful amulet. The history of this gesture goes back to early Christianity. Even then he had protective properties.

Celtic, Greek, solar, inverted, Orthodox, Lithuanian, St. Andrew's, red... You can list for a long time, but do you immediately understand that these are all varieties of the cross? That's what crossed fingers symbolize.

The cross existed long before our era. Its images have already been found during excavations of the Stone Age. And almost immediately it became a sacred sign. Already the ancient Egyptians used a mysterious and mystical sign in religion. Interesting: the Egyptian sun god was often depicted with rays-arms, each of which had a cross.

There are many sign values. The cross as a symbol of a man with outstretched arms, as a symbol of the four cardinal points, the center of the universe. Today it is a symbol of Christianity and God's protection. The sign of the cross sanctifies, protects from evil spirits.

Does luck keep slipping out of your hands? You can hold it by crossing your index and middle fingers. What do crossed fingers mean? - you ask.

Are crossed fingers a symbol of the cross?


Since ancient times, crossed fingers symbolized the cross on which Christ was crucified. In the early period of the development of Christianity, this gesture was used as a defense against evil. During the persecution of the Romans, the cross from the fingers was a kind of password for Christians; fellow believers were recognized by it. In the Middle Ages, the gesture served as a talisman against evil spirits. At present, the meaning of the gesture is not related to religion. Crossed fingers are used when they want to attract good luck and protect themselves from the evil eye.

different meanings

But not everywhere. This gesture is interpreted differently in different countries. "I'm not lying" - said this sign in Russia quite recently. In Vietnam, if you show crossed fingers to another person, then you can not avoid trouble. Here this gesture is offensive, because it symbolizes the female genital organs. In Turkey and Greece, if the interlocutor shows crossed fingers, then he wants to end the friendly conversation with him. Icelanders use this gesture when they have forgotten something and want to remember. In Denmark - when they take an oath. Crossing their fingers, they seem to be tying a promise in a knot.

The most common meaning of this gesture in the West is to attract good luck. Cross your fingers and everything will work out.

How to attract good luck

How can you be sure not to let your luck out of your hands? After all, fingers can be crossed in different ways. The middle finger can be located both above the index finger and below it. As mentioned above, the history of gesture goes back to the origins of Christianity. So the picture of the Spanish artist Francisco Ribalt "The Last Supper" (1606) depicts Jesus Christ. He raised his hand with his fingers crossed, his index finger above the middle one. Good luck will attract just such a position of the fingers.

Crossed fingers behind back

Another variation of the gesture, which also came to us from the West, is crossed fingers behind the back. It is used when telling lies. By deceiving someone, a person is protected by him from evil spirits. The cross will save from punishment for lying.

Crossed fingers against pain

English scientists have proven that the gesture can protect not only from evil spirits, but also relieve severe pain. Research leader Patrick Haggard argues that pain can be controlled by moving one part in relation to another. The works of Thorsten Thunberg, which explore not real, but phantom pain, became the basis for research. Scientists have proven that it is the crossing of fingers that relieves acute pain.

good luck symbol

Over time, the gesture of crossed fingers has become not just a symbol of good luck, but a symbol of its attraction. So this gesture is used for the emblem of the National Lottery of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as for the Oregon Lottery and the Virginia Lottery in the United States of America.


So crossed fingers for good luck will help to achieve what you want. After all, everything is in our hands.

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 the sign of the cross 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's index finger is above the middle. 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 the study of phantom pains, somewhat different from those that we feel during a blow 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.

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 you use 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 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 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 castle 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.