Fist bumps, waves, and salutes

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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The military salute, like the wave, originates in the medieval practice of knights raising their helmets 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Clear your calendar and learn a few fun facts

How did the months get their names? An ancient Roman legacy

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A calendar is a system of time measurement based primarily on the seasons of the year. The one we use today is called the Gregorian calendar and is the result of a long process of evolution that began with ancient civilizations. So, when and by whom were the months of the year named? Here’s a hint: The Romans are largely responsible for how we organize time, so it’s not surprising that the current names of the months have much to do with their culture. Join us as we explore the origins of the names of the 12 months of the year!

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January owes its name to Janus (Ianuarius in Latin), the Roman god of doorways, changes, beginnings, and endings. Janus was depicted with two faces—one looking to the past and the other to the future—making him the perfect deity to mark the start of the year.

Janus symbolized not only the passage of time but also transformation and transitions. His association with doors and portals reflected the idea of opening new paths and closing old cycles. In Roman tradition, January was a month dedicated to reflection and preparation for the challenges of the year ahead, a concept that endures to this day.

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February, the second month of the year, traces its roots to the purification rituals of ancient Rome. During this month, the Romans observed the _Februa_—ceremonies meant to cleanse the city of evil spirits and prepare the community for the new annual cycle. As a result, February’s name comes from the Latin februare, meaning "to purify."

The Romans regarded this month as a time to resolve conflicts, settle debts, and restore order. Thus, the origin of the name February is closely tied to the concepts of healing and renewal.

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You probably already know this one—the third month of the year is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March marked the start of the military campaign season when legions prepared to conquer new territories. The name of this month reflects Mars’ significance in Roman culture—not only as the god of war but also as a protector of agriculture and fertility.

Additionally, Mars was associated with spring and the rebirth of nature. March symbolized the return of life after winter, a time of renewal and vitality. As a result, the meaning of March is linked to both war and rebirth.

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The origin of April's name is less clear. However, it is widely believed to come from the Latin aperire, meaning "to open," in reference to the blooming of plants and flowers during this month. Others suggest it derives from Aphrodite, the Greek equivalent of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility.

In any case, April is a month long associated with beauty, spring, rebirth, and fertility. During this time, the Romans held rituals and festivals in honor of Venus to ensure good harvests and prosperity. April’s connection to fertility and the awakening of nature has remained deeply rooted in popular culture ever since.

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May’s origin is uncertain, but it is widely believed to come from the name of Maia, a Roman earth goddess. Maia, one of the Pleiades—the daughters of Atlas—was associated with the flowering of nature and the beginning of the agricultural season.

However, the fifth month of the year is also linked to the elderly, as the Latin word maiores means "ancestors" or "elders." In Roman tradition, May was a time to honor older generations and recognize their wisdom and experience. This dual significance—as a month of fertility and reverence for elders—reflects the cultural and symbolic richness of the Roman calendar.

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June, the sixth month of the year, is dedicated to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. Her name is believed to derive from the Latin iuniores, meaning "young," highlighting her influence over both marriage and the younger generation.

Festivities in Juno’s honor during this time of year often included marriage ceremonies and protective rituals for women. Because she was believed to bless marital unions, June was considered an especially auspicious month for weddings. June's association with youth and marriage has left a lasting impression on Western culture, and it is still a popular month for weddings and engagements.

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The Gregorian calendar was not only influenced by mythology but also by key historical figures. For example, July is named after Julius Caesar, one of the most significant political and military leaders of ancient Rome.

July symbolizes Caesar’s power and authority, as he was responsible for implementing the Julian calendar—a system that provided a more accurate solar cycle than its predecessor. This reform was crucial for maintaining a stable calendar and laid the foundation for the later adoption of the Gregorian calendar we use today.

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August was named after another Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Originally called Sextilis, this month was renamed in honor of Augustus to recognize his achievements and his role in consolidating the Roman Empire. Under his rule, Rome reached its greatest expansion and prosperity, which justified its inclusion in the calendar.

However, August was not always as we know it today. Originally consisting of 30 days, an extra day was later added to match the length of July, ensuring that both months named after Roman leaders had equal days.

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The months from September to December reflect their positions in the original 10-month Roman calendar. For example, September comes from the Latin septem, meaning "seven."

Today, in the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the beginning of autumn and the return to school. However, in ancient Rome, it was a 29-day month dedicated to the Ludi Romani, the "Roman Games." Over time, some sought to rename it. To give you an idea, Emperor Caligula wanted to rename September Germanicus after his father, a general and politician, although his idea never prospered.

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October gets its name from the Latin octo, meaning "eight," because it was the eighth month in the original Roman calendar. Like today, October had 31 days and marked the end of military campaigns that had begun in March. It was also a month under the protection of the god Mars.

As with September, several Roman politicians sought to change October’s name. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, Augustus and Julius Caesar, Emperor Domitian didn’t want to be left out. Late in the first century AD, he renamed October Domitianus. Unfortunately, this moniker didn’t survive his death. After several attempts to change it, October’s name finally stuck.

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You probably know the drill by now. Since November was the ninth month of the old Roman calendar, its name comes from the Latin term novem, meaning "nine."

But did you know what this month was called in Old English? It was named Blōtmōnað, or "blood month," because it was the time when animals were sacrificed and stored for food before winter.

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Ah, December—the last month of the year, the beginning of winter, and the close of the holiday season. But in Roman times, it was the tenth month of the calendar, and thus named after the Latin word for "ten," decem.

Are you curious about what it was called in Old English? The early Germanic people referred to this period as yuletide, alluding to the ancient pagan holiday they celebrated around the winter solstice, which became an ancestor to Christmas.