Pop-up Book of Hands- World Culture Symbols

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The theme of this book is world culture. The pop-ups in this book show a variety of hand gestures, movements, and positions from around the world as a vehicle of cultural expression. It contains hands from a variety of social and cultural practices—Hawaiian, African, Latin American, Irish, American Sign Language, and more. The symbols range from peace and openness, to communication with ancestors.

Irish Claddhagh Ring: Two hands grasping the heart. This traditional design consists of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, and symbolizes love, friendship, and loyalty.

Hula - Hand motions represent aspects of nature, such as sun, ocean, waves, wind, trees, and rainbows.

 

American Sign Language - sign for spirit- hands like smoke with eyes gazing heavenward

Peace

 

Dogon Sculpture: Zaire, African 

Hands upraised are said to be acting as intermediaries to deities; communication between the earth and heaven as well as his relationship with the Creator. It organizes and purifies the universe.

King Kamehameha, Hawai'i

"The King carries a hardwood spear as a symbol of his ability to defend himself. In the statue, Kamehameha is holding the spear in his left hand as a reminder that he brought wars to an end. His right hand is extended with palm open in a gesture of friendliness-the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha."

 

Hindu Marriage Hands Tattoo

The reddish brown color of Mehendi-which stands for the prosperity that a bride is expected to bring to her new family - is considered most auspicious for all wedding-related ceremonies. A day before her wedding, the girl and her female folks gather for the Mehendi ritual, during which the bride-to-be embellishes their hands, wrists, palms with the lovely red hue of the Mehendi.


 
  

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Michael Hackett

172 Chattanooga Street San Francisco, CA  94114  

    415-824-9344 mikehack@yahoo.com

This site was last updated 02/16/09