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What's the significance of the hand sign that has index and middle finger raised and ring/pinky finger down?
The hand sign with the index and middle finger raised and the ring and pinky down with thumb pressed over the lowered fingers? In Christian religion, the hand sign is a benediction. I see it in Japanese culture and in Chinese martial arts. In Tai Chi, the hand position seems to represent a sword while practicing empty handed. Is there other meanings, culturally, that are relevant to martial arts?
Added:: If it's a peace sign, martial arts-wise, is it like saying... "I have a sword and I'm not going to kill you, so peace be with you and go on your way." ???
3 Answers
- ?Lv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
In ninjutsu there are seal systems for the hand in which can be represented via calligraphy kanji. So the two finger together touch hand may have a corresponding symbol in a kanji character, often times the name for an animal.
The V sign with the index and middle finger, means peace due to the 60s violent anti-war movements. It means victory in Japan, however. With other connotations being "greetings" or "victory to you" or "go win it". It may have been influenced by MacArthur or the WWII V day issue, but I don't have any examples of it being a direct connection.
Buddhists have the closet usage of the hand sign to Christian priests. They use it as a sort of benediction as well, except they do so holding a rosary bead chain. They wrap it around their hand and make the sign, in prayer. If you see it in both China and Japan, that may be it.
- Jake LoLv 61 decade ago
It's not a peace sign, it's known as a "sword finger". It is used in systems like Tai Chi, Bagua, etc. The fingers have many different meanings and uses, namely to denote a sword/dagger in hand, to maintain balance, to extend chi and/or to strike at acupressure points with the fingers or the curled knuckles.
