crossed fingers origin

I was talking to one of my friends interestingly until she said, “I hope I’ll finish the assignment by Friday” and crossed her fingers. I said “aha” but I did not concentrate on what she was saying as much I did concentrate on her gesture. I easily knew that people usually cross their fingers to wish to themselves or to others good luck or to show supporting. Furthermore, what is the origin of this strange gesture? Why did those two fingers, index and middle fingers, have chosen specially? The historians have some amazing stories behind it.

The first theory is due to predates Christianity. In Western Europe, some people used to reckon that a cross was a powerful shape. In other words, they believed in “sacred geometry” which said that good spirits resided at the intersections of crosses. The good spirits shall surround a wish until it could come true.

The second theory depends on judges. It is said that judges have used to cross their fingers while saying “May God have mercy upon your soul” in order to reaffirm God’s supreme authority over the law. They deeply thought that they did not have the power to declare the death sentence; they personally did not have the authority to destroy souls and that only God had the authority to do so. Thus, this gesture was made as a prayer to the criminal’s souls.

Historians give more credence to the third theory. It has more in the way of actual evidence supporting it. The act of crossing one’s fingers started when Christianity was in its infancy. At this time, Christianity was outlawed. So crossing fingers was a secret handshake to show one’s real identity. Nevertheless, it has not quite the way it is done nowadays. In this case, each member would present their thumb and index finger in the shape of an “L.” Their thumbs would touch, and their index fingers would cross, making a symbol not unlike today’s crossing index and middle fingers. Francisco Ribalta’s painting depicted Jesus with his fingers crossed at the Last Supper. Accordingly, if this theory is true, what is happened to the original shape? It is believed that it has been changed sometime around the Hundred Years’ War (14th-15th centuries). During bloody battles, soldiers needed God’s favor, or a little luck, to see them through, and crossing fingers with someone was not exactly practical.

Currently, one does not need to cross his/her finger. It is enough to say it! For example, “Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain.”, it may not affect your gesture but you should know the historical background of your actions. The third theory seems to be the winner still you can have other thoughts. What do you think?

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