Fist bumps, waves, and salutes

The peace sign doesn't mean what you think! A guide to hand gestures

Hand gestures are everywhere—so ingrained in our daily lives that we often don’t realize how frequently we communicate through them. Whether expressing emotions, adding context to our words, or simply enhancing spoken communication, gestures are a vital part of our shared culture, passed down through generations for centuries. From ancient Rome to the modern day, here are 12 hand gestures and their fascinating origins explained.

The exact origins of the thumbs-up gesture remain uncertain, but its earliest documented use dates back to Roman gladiators, where a thumbs-up or thumbs-down was believed to signal life or death in the arena. Today, the gesture is nearly universal, thanks to its popularization through media, travel, and even emojis. However, it carries offensive meanings in certain cultures, and for divers, it signifies "ascend," rather than approval—so context matters!

Believe it or not, the V sign originally began as an insulting gesture, though with the back of the hand facing outward. A more positive meaning, however, was popularized during World War II when Winston Churchill used it as a "V for Victory" symbol. The double-entendre of the gesture likely added to its appeal—flipping the hand’s orientation easily turned it into a mocking snub toward the enemy. In the 1960s, the gesture took on new meaning during the counterculture movements, evolving into an enduring symbol of peace.

The wave as a friendly greeting traces back to medieval times when knights raised their visors to show they meant no harm. Its simplicity and universal appeal have made it a common gesture worldwide, transcending language barriers. However, in some countries like Nigeria and South Korea, certain types of waving can still carry offensive connotations.

The handshake might be one of the oldest hand gestures on this list, so it’s hard to be sure of its origins. Yet, there is evidence that it was already in use 3,000 years ago, as a way to seal alliances. In ancient Greece it was called dexiosis, and was practised as early as the 5th century BC. While the gesture is found in many cultures, the specifics as to when and how it should be used vary significantly.

Pointing likely originated as a practical gesture to indicate objects or directions, making it one of humanity's oldest forms of communication. Fascinatingly, it is the first communicative gesture to develop in human infants, and linguists believe it plays a crucial role in language acquisition. However, despite its universal utility, many cultures consider pointing at other people with the index finger to be rude or disrespectful.

The origin of the military salute, like the wave, is disputed. Some historians trace it to the medieval practice of knights raising their helmet’s visor as a gesture of recognition and peaceful intentions. By the 18th century, it had evolved into a formal military custom to signify respect and camaraderie. Today, variations of the salute can be seen across armed forces worldwide, each adapted to reflect the unique traditions and protocols of different nations.

While the phrase "give me five" was already slang for a type of handshake, the high five most likely evolved from the "low five," a gesture rooted in African-American culture since the 1920s. The first documented use of the high five occurred in 1977, credited to Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It quickly became associated with sports, symbolizing shared triumphs and camaraderie.

The fist bump can trace its origins to boxers who were instructed to touch gloves at the start of a contest. However, its popularization is a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining traction in sports and youth culture during the 1990s as a more casual alternative to the handshake. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fist bump became a common greeting, as shaking hands was discouraged to help slow the spread of the virus.

While the origins of clapping as a form of applause are difficult to pinpoint, it is a common practice in many cultures. One of its earliest documented uses dates back to ancient Roman theater, where audiences clapped or waved pieces of cloth to express approval for performances. The percussive sound of clapping has also found its place in music, particularly in genres like funk, gospel, doo-wop, and flamenco.

The "OK" gesture, made by forming a circle with the thumb and index finger, became popular in 19th-century America as a symbol for "all correct." However, its origins trace back to classical antiquity, where a thumb and forefinger touching was thought to mimic kissing lips, often used as a romantic gesture. It wasn’t until Roman rhetoricians began using it during public speeches that the gesture gained its modern connotation of approval or assent.

The crossed fingers gesture, often used to wish for luck, has its origins in ancient Christianity, where it was likely adopted for its resemblance to the Cross of Christ. Over time, it also became associated with telling lies, especially among children who use it as an excuse for telling a white lie or invalidating a promise.

Though likely as old as human frustration itself, the facepalm gesture became globally famous through internet memes, becoming a shorthand for disappointment or exasperation in both real life and online. Surprisingly, it’s not exclusive to humans—primates have been observed using similar gestures to signal a desire for solitude or to avoid social interaction.

PHILOSOPHY TO GO

10 Essential Nuggets Of Wisdom From Ancient Philosophers

Image: Adam King

Ancient philosophers may have lived in a time long past, but their ideas continue to resonate with us today. In their pursuit of understanding the complexities of existence, they often came up with simple yet profound insights that still hold relevance in our modern lives.

Join us as we uncover 10 fundamental ideas from antiquity’s wisest minds.

Image: Михаил Секацкий

"To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom"

Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, urged individuals to delve deep into self-awareness. He famously argued that an unexamined life was not worth living, as understanding oneself is the key to living a fulfilled life. By questioning our beliefs, desires, and motives, we can navigate the complexities of existence with clarity and purpose.

Image: Jem Sahagun

"Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you"

Confucius emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. His Golden Rule of treating others the same way we expect to be treated ourselves is a timeless reminder of the power that empathy and compassion have in fostering harmonious relationships and societies.

Image: Matt Bennett

"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will"

Stoic philosophers like Epictetus taught the concept of focusing only on what is within our control and accepting what is not. This principle liberates us from unnecessary worry about external events, enabling us to focus our time and energy on actions that can actually make a difference in our lives.

Image: Aamir Suhail

"Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency"

Aristotle advocated for moderation in all things, promoting the idea of finding the balance between extremes. Whether it's in pursuing pleasure, seeking knowledge, or exercising virtues, maintaining a middle path fosters harmony and avoids the pitfalls of excess.

Image: George Liapis

"Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being"

The ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi extolled the virtues of simplicity and spontaneity. By embracing the natural flow of life and shedding unnecessary complexities, we can find true contentment and peace within ourselves.

Image: Wil Stewart

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not"

Epicurus defined pleasure as the absence of pain and tranquility of the mind. His philosophy encourages seeking simple pleasures and cultivating inner serenity rather than chasing fleeting desires that go nowhere, leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

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"No one ever steps in the same river twice"

Heraclitus famously argued that change is the only constant in life. Just like the waters of a running river are never the same, every element of existence transforms yet simultaneously retains an element of itself. Embracing this inevitable part of life allows us to adapt and grow, finding strength in the ebb and flow of things.

Image: Olivier Guillard

"The greatest wealth is to live content with little"

Diogenes, the Cynic philosopher, lived a minimalist lifestyle to demonstrate the insignificance of material possessions. Allegedly, when asked by Alexander the Great what he could do for him, he bluntly asked the monarch to move so he would stop blocking his sunlight. His radical rejection of both wealth and social status challenges us to reassess our priorities and find true value in the intangible aspects of life.

Image: Denys Nevozhai

"Accept the things to which fate binds you"

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius embraced stoicism and with it the idea of fate and the impermanence of life. By acknowledging the inevitability of death and adversity in life, he sought to cultivate inner resilience and focus on living virtuously in the present moment.

Image: Kenny Eliason

"Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all"

Hypatia, a renowned mathematician and philosopher in ancient Alexandria, championed the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual inquiry. Despite societal constraints placed on women during her time, she fearlessly pursued learning. A tragic heroine of antiquity, she teaches us that thinking is our utmost right, and the only way to reach truth is learning from our mistakes.