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What Is Spock's Star Trek Hand Sign Called & What Does It Mean?

There is no more iconic hand gesture in pop culture than the split-fingered greeting used by Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and other Vulcans in "Star Trek." Usually accompanied by the phrase, "Live long, and prosper," the gesture requires splitting one's fingers between the middle and ring finger while extending the thumb, with the palm facing forward. But while many fans have seen it used throughout "Star Trek," many don't know its name, let alone its origins.

Spock's gesture is known as the Vulcan Salute. It was first seen in the episode "Amok Time," the episode of "Star Trek: The Original Series" in which Spock returns to Vulcan to compete in a mating ritual. Though not originally in the script for that episode, Nimoy felt it would be a good way to add more depth to Vulcan culture. "I suggested to the director that there should be some Vulcan thing that Vulcans do when they greet," Nimoy said in an Archive of American Television interview preserved by FoundationINTERVIEWS on YouTube. It was one of many aspects of Vulcan culture improvised by the actor . But the star clarified that the episode's writer, science fiction author Theodore Sturgeon, had come up with the phrase, "Live long, and prosper."

So, that's what the Vulcan Salute means within the universe of "Star Trek." But for Leonard Nimoy, it had a far more profound personal meaning rooted in his Jewish upbringing.

Leonard Nimoy's Vulcan Salute took inspiration from an ancient Jewish tradition

Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock on "Star Trek: The Original Series" and elsewhere, was raised in a Jewish household in Boston, Massachusetts, as the child of Ukrainian immigrants. His parents were observant, particularly his father, who brought his son along to High Holiday services at their local Orthodox synagogue. There, Nimoy witnessed a ritual that would go on to inform his Vulcan Salute.

Synagogue services on major holidays include the Priestly Blessing. Members of the priestly class of Kohanim — in the most simple terms, those with last names like Cohen and derivations thereof — bless the congregation by lifting their hands with the split-fingered gesture. The difference is that, in performing the Priestly Blessing, both hands are raised.

Crucially, members of the congregation are instructed to avert their gaze while the Blessing is recited, as the priests are said to be channeling the divine presence. Congregants often cover their faces with a tallis, a ritual shawl worn during prayer. But young Nimoy was much too curious to remain under the veil, so he would peer out at the Kohanim from under his father's tallis.

As noted on the  Star Trek  website, Nimoy wrote, "There were a group of five or six men facing the congregation and chanting in passionate shouts of a Hebrew benediction ... My dad said, 'Don't look.' ... I peeked. And when I saw the split-fingered gesture of these men ... I was entranced. I learned to do it because it seemed so magical. It was probably 25 years later that I introduced that gesture as a Vulcan greeting in 'Star Trek' and it has resonated with fans around the world ever since. It gives me great pleasure since it is, after all, a blessing."

What's the History Behind Star Trek's Most Famous Greeting?

The Vulcan salute is a hand gesture used by Vulcans, a fictional alien race in the Star Trek universe. It consists of raising the hand with the palm forward while parting the fingers between the middle and ring fingers.

The story behind this famous greeting originates with Leonard Nimoy, the actor who portrayed the iconic Vulcan character Spock on the original Star Trek series. In the episode 'Amok Time,' Spock greets other Vulcans for the first time in the series. Nimoy decided that it would be a good idea if they used a unique greeting, not a handshake, as with the human species.

Drawing inspiration from his own Jewish heritage, he created the Vulcan salute, basing it on the hand position used by Jewish priests (kohanim) during a religious ceremony called the 'kohenim blessing.' During this blessing, the kohanim extend their both arms with their hands in a similar position, forming the shape of the Hebrew letter 'shin,' which represents the name of God. Nimoy had observed the blessing when he was a young boy with his father.

Nimoy felt that the gesture conveyed a sense of spirituality and uniqueness that suited the character of Spock, who was portrayed as highly logical and spiritually centered. He suggested incorporating the gesture into the character's mannerisms, and it became one of Spock's signature traits throughout the Star Trek franchise.

The Vulcan salute has since become an iconic symbol not only within Star Trek fandom but also in popular culture.

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I f one visits the legendary Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California  (now called the TCL Chinese), one can see the handprints of the cast and creator of "Star Trek." On the event of the franchise's 25th anniversary in 1991, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, William Shatner, George Takei, James Doohan, and DeForest Kelley all put their handprints on the cement next to their respective signatures. According to a story Takei told at a "Star Trek" convention (that this author personally attended), the cast were instructed to sign their names but not to put their hands in the cement. Takei, hating the restriction, plopped in his handprint anyway, and his fellow cast members immediately followed suit.

Leonard Nimoy, as visiting Trekkies will see, slapped his hand into the cement with his middle and ring fingers parted and his thumb out, arranged in the traditional Vulcan salute seen so often throughout "Star Trek."

That salute first appeared in the "Star Trek" episode "Amok Time" (September 15, 1967) and was accompanied by a notable Vulcan slogan, "Live long and prosper," initially penned by teleplay writer Theodore Sturgeon. In a 1968 interview with the New York Times , Nimoy noted that he was allowed to invent a lot of the idiosyncrasies of the Vulcan species, saying that they would be hand- and gesture-oriented. Nimoy couldn't have predicted how immensely popular "Star Trek" would become, nor that so many other actors would play Vulcans -- and adopt his salute -- in the years that followed.

An insightful 2015 article in the Washington Post  quoted Nimoy as having invented the salute as an expression of his Jewish heritage. The hand shape, he said, was meant to evoke a particular letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

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The Divine Hug

One can see the Vulcan salute in all manner of Judaica.  The website Chabad.org explains the gesture of Priestly Blessing in detail:

"The Hebrew term for the Priestly Blessing, administered by the descendants of Aaron, is Birkat Kohanim , also known as Nesi'at Kapayim , the 'lifting of the hands,' because of the priests' uplifted hands, through which the divine blessings flow. Performed in the synagogue, the Priestly Blessing is one of the most spiritually uplifting moments in Jewish life, as the entire congregation is embraced in a 'divine hug.'"

Two open hands pushed away from the body form a diamond shape, allowing the Divine through.

In a 2013 interview, Nimoy said that his fingers, when in the Vulcan salute, resemble the letter shin, the first letter in Shalom, in Shaddai (one of the many names of God), and also in  Shekhinah , part of a kabbalistic veneration of divine feminine energies, but a word that had several meanings overall. Nimoy recalled reciting Shekhinah prayers as a child, and it was from those days in temple that he was inspired to form the Vulcan hand salute. The Post cited a StarTrek.com interview wherein Nimoy recalled its function, saying, "The light from this Deity could be very damaging. So we are told to protect ourselves by closing our eyes." He continued:

"They get their tallits over their heads, and they start this chanting. And my father said to me, 'Don't look'. At first he obliged, but what he could hear intrigued him. I thought, 'Something major is happening here.' So I peeked. And I saw them with their hands stuck out from beneath the tallit like this."

There it was.

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Nimoy recalled wanting to invent something notable for the scene in "Amok Time" when Spock was on screen with other Vulcans for the first time. He didn't necessarily brainstorm the above prayers but clearly took inspiration from them. It was a simple gesture he invented on set. Surprisingly, it stuck. It helped that Trekkies watching at home could recreate it in an instant. Nimoy added:

"Boy, that just took off. It just touched a magic chord. [...] [M]ost people to this day still don't know [the history] [...] People don't realize they're blessing each other with this!"

When you flash a "Live long and prosper" salute, you are actually evoking divine energies. Trekkies may be passing winking pop culture references to one another on the floor of "Star Trek" conventions, but they are also giving each other holy blessings. There's something beautiful about that. When President Obama -- a self-professed Trekkie -- met Nichelle Nichols in 2012, they posed for a picture wherein both flashed the salute. Talk about cultural penetration. As far as I have been able to determine, Obama is the only president to have given a Vulcan salute.

Of course, the salute has become so common in "Star Trek" that it can be thrown around without any sense of nobility or wonderment. In an episode of "Star Trek: Lower Decks," Ensign Becket Mariner (Tawny Newsome) waggles Vulcan salutes sarcastically around in front of her mother, being generally caustic and dismissive. Any "sacred" qualities attached to the gesture have apparently been prodded and mocked by the young hotshot.

Read the original article on /Film .

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How did the Vulcan salute originate in ‘Star Trek?’

The V-shaped Vulcan salute was first introduced in “ Amok Time ” — an Original Series episode beloved by Star Trek fans. In it, Spock undergoes Pon Farr (the Vulcan urge to mate) and must return to his home planet to be married. On Vulcan, he meets T’Pau , a powerful Vulcan politician who will officiate the ceremony.

Leonard Nimoy , the actor who played Spock, wanted to come up with a special greeting infused with hidden meaning during the scene. As a boy, he had attended a Synagogue and was fascinated with the rituals performed there.

“There were a group of five or six men facing the congregation and chanting… My Dad said, ‘Don’t look.’ I learned later that it is believed that during this prayer the feminine aspect of God comes into the temple to bless the congregation. The light from this Deity could be very damaging. So we are told to protect ourselves by closing our eyes. I peeked. And when I saw the split-fingered gesture of these men… I was entranced. I learned to do it simply because it seemed so magical. It was 25 years later that I introduced that gesture as a Vulcan greeting in  Star Trek  and it has resonated with fans around the world ever since.”

Nimoy decided that a form of words should go with the hand gesture. The original Hebrew blessing was “May the Lord bless you and keep you.” Theodore Sturgeon, writer of “Amok Time,” quickly improvised a short line of dialogue that has since gone down in history — “Live long and prosper.”

A challenge for some

Now both the gesture and the words have become one of the most iconic parts of Trek lore, imitated by Trekkies the world over. But not everyone can perform the salute as effortlessly as Nimoy could. Co-star William Shatner reportedly has great difficulty performing the salute. In Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , a scene called for him to make the legendary hand gesture, and eagle-eyed fans have since spotted a near-invisible fishing line holding two of the actor’s fingers together.

Another actor who had trouble was Zachary Quinto, who played Spock in the Kelvin timeline films. On the set of Star Trek (2009), the crew was frantically searching for a method to allow Quinto to perform the gesture until someone came to the rescue with a tube of skin-protective super-glue .

Regardless of how difficult it is for some, the Vulcan salute remains an enduring part of Leonard Nimoy’s legacy.

The Significance And Meaning Of The Star Trek Hand Symbol

• Last updated Jul 26, 2023
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Symbolism

If there is one symbol that instantly transports us to the futuristic universe of Star Trek, it is the famous hand sign. With a simple gesture, the iconic hand symbol became synonymous with the famous greeting live long and prosper and came to represent the ideals of peace, logic, and unity in the Star Trek universe. But where did this symbol originate, and what does it truly mean? Join me on this journey to uncover the mysteries behind the Star Trek hand symbol, as we explore its historical significance and its profound impact on popular culture.

What You'll Learn

What is the origin of the star trek hand symbol, how did the star trek hand symbol become popularized, what does the star trek hand symbol represent in the show, are there any real-life meanings or origins to the star trek hand symbol, how has the star trek hand symbol been embraced by fans and pop culture outside of the show.

The hand symbol commonly seen in the science fiction franchise Star Trek has become widely known and recognized. The gesture, known as the Vulcan salute, is performed by raising the hand and separating the palm from the fingers, leaving only the middle and ring fingers together, while the index and little fingers remain extended. Also known as the "live long and prosper" sign, it has become an iconic symbol associated with the series.

The origin of the Vulcan salute can be traced back to the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry, and the actor who played the character of Spock, Leonard Nimoy. In the original Star Trek series, Nimoy's character, Spock, was half-human and half-Vulcan, a fictional alien race known for their logic and rationality. Nimoy wanted to incorporate a distinctive greeting for Vulcans that would reflect their unique culture and customs.

The inspiration for the Vulcan salute came from Leonard Nimoy's childhood experiences. He remembered attending a Jewish synagogue service where he observed a gesture performed by the rabbi when giving a blessing. The symbolic gesture involved the hands positioned similarly to the Vulcan salute, with the rabbi's thumb extended and touching his index finger. Nimoy found this ritualistic hand position fascinating and decided to adapt it for Spock's character as a way to emphasize the Vulcan culture's emphasis on logic and intellect.

When Nimoy approached Gene Roddenberry with the idea, the creator of Star Trek liked the concept and immediately incorporated it into the series. From that point forward, the Vulcan salute became an integral part of the Star Trek franchise, often associated with Spock's character and Vulcan culture as a whole.

The popularity of the Vulcan salute quickly spread beyond the boundaries of the show and became a recognizable symbol in popular culture. Fans of the series and non-fans alike started using the gesture as a greeting, a sign of solidarity, or simply as a way to express their love and appreciation for Star Trek.

The phrase "live long and prosper," often associated with the Vulcan salute, also originated from the Star Trek series. It was first used by Spock's character in the episode "Amok Time" and became one of his catchphrases. The phrase encapsulates the core values of the Vulcan civilization, which prioritizes knowledge, reason, and the pursuit of a long and prosperous life.

In conclusion, the Vulcan salute, or the iconic hand symbol from Star Trek, has its origins in Leonard Nimoy's childhood observations of a rabbi's gesture during a Jewish synagogue service. Nimoy adapted this hand position for his character, Spock, to symbolize the Vulcan culture's emphasis on logic and intellect. The Vulcan salute became a recognizable symbol in popular culture and is often associated with the phrase "live long and prosper," which epitomizes the values of the fictional Vulcan society.

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The Star Trek hand symbol, also known as the Vulcan salute, has become an iconic symbol in pop culture. It is often used as a greeting among Star Trek fans, and has even been adopted by famous personalities and celebrities. But how did this hand symbol become so popularized?

The Vulcan salute was first introduced in the original Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. The salute was developed by Leonard Nimoy, who played the character Spock, a Vulcan science officer on the Starship Enterprise. Nimoy wanted a distinctive greeting for his character, and took inspiration from a Jewish blessing he saw as a child.

The hand symbol itself is made by separating the middle and ring fingers, while the thumb is extended fully and the other fingers are closed. This creates a distinctive "V" shape with the hand. The gesture is accompanied by the phrase "Live long and prosper," which became synonymous with the salute.

When Leonard Nimoy first introduced the Vulcan salute on the show, it was not an instant hit. In fact, many people found it confusing and difficult to replicate. However, over time, the symbol gained popularity among Star Trek fans and became a recognized symbol of the franchise.

The popularity of the Vulcan salute reached new heights with the release of Star Trek movies and spin-off series. The gesture was often used by other characters in the Star Trek universe, further solidifying its association with the franchise.

Outside of the Star Trek fandom, the Vulcan salute gained wider recognition through various forms of media. It has been featured in popular television shows, movies, and even cartoons. The symbol has also been adopted by fans of the show as a way to identify themselves and show their love for Star Trek.

In addition, notable personalities and celebrities have also embraced the Vulcan salute, further contributing to its popularization. People like Barack Obama, Stephen Hawking, and Justin Trudeau have been spotted giving the salute at various events. This has helped to elevate the symbol's status and make it more widely known.

The Vulcan salute's popularity can also be attributed to its unique and distinct appearance. The "V" shape created by the hand symbol is visually striking and easily recognizable. Its association with the Star Trek franchise also adds to its appeal, as the show has a dedicated fan base that spans generations.

Overall, the Vulcan salute's journey from a simple greeting on a television show to a widely recognized symbol in popular culture is a testament to the enduring impact of Star Trek and its dedicated fan base. Its distinctive appearance, association with the franchise, and adoption by notable personalities have all contributed to its continued popularity. The Vulcan salute is now not only a symbol of Star Trek, but also a symbol of unity and connection among fans around the world.

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In the iconic science fiction franchise Star Trek, one of the most recognizable symbols is the hand gesture often used by the characters. Known as the "Vulcan salute" or the "Live long and prosper" gesture, it has become synonymous with the show and has even entered popular culture.

The Vulcan salute is performed by raising the hand with the palm forward and the thumb extended, while separating the middle and ring fingers to form a "V" shape. The index and little fingers are bent, completing the distinct hand symbol. The gesture was first introduced by the character Mr. Spock, portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, in the original Star Trek series.

The meaning behind the Vulcan salute is rooted in the fictional alien race of Vulcans, who are known for their logic and emotional control. According to the show's mythology, Vulcans greet each other by raising their hand in this manner, accompanied by the phrase "Live long and prosper."

The gesture represents the Vulcan philosophy, which is centered around the pursuit of knowledge, logic, and the suppression of emotions. By using the hand symbol, Vulcans are reminding themselves and others of their commitment to these principles. It serves as a visual reminder of the value placed on reason and intellect, as well as a way to identify and connect with other Vulcans.

Outside of the Star Trek universe, the Vulcan salute has taken on a symbolic meaning of its own. Many fans of the show use the gesture as a sign of their appreciation for the franchise and its values. It has become a way to communicate a sense of unity and belonging within the Star Trek community. The phrase "Live long and prosper" has also been widely adopted as a mantra and a well-wishing expression.

The popularity of the Vulcan salute extends beyond Star Trek itself, with the symbol being recognized by people who may not even be familiar with the show. It has been referenced in other television series, movies, and even political campaigns. This demonstrates the lasting impact of the Star Trek franchise and its ability to create iconic symbols that resonate with audiences.

In conclusion, the Vulcan salute is a hand gesture used by the fictional Vulcan race in the Star Trek series. It symbolizes their commitment to logic and emotional control, as well as a means of identification. The gesture has become a cultural phenomenon, representing unity and appreciation for the franchise. Whether you're a Star Trek fan or not, the Vulcan salute serves as a visual reminder of the show's enduring legacy. So, next time you see the hand symbol, remember to "live long and prosper."

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The Star Trek hand symbol, commonly known as the Vulcan salute, has become iconic in popular culture. It is recognized worldwide as a symbol of greeting and unity among Star Trek fans. However, it is interesting to explore if there are any real-life meanings or origins behind this gesture.

The Vulcan salute consists of lifting the hand flat and parting the fingers between the middle and ring finger, while the thumb is held against the palm. The gesture was first introduced in the original Star Trek series by Spock, a Vulcan character portrayed by Leonard Nimoy. In the show, it was described as a traditional Vulcan greeting, accompanied by the phrase "Live long and prosper."

The origins of the Vulcan salute, however, can be traced back to Leonard Nimoy's childhood. In his autobiography, "I Am Spock," Nimoy explains that the hand symbol was inspired by a Jewish blessing he witnessed in his synagogue as a child. The blessing, known as the "priestly blessing" or "raising of the hands," is performed by Kohanim (descendants of the Jewish priestly caste) during certain religious ceremonies.

In the blessing, the Kohanim raise their hands with the fingers spread apart, similar to the Vulcan salute. Nimoy was deeply moved by this ritual and its symbolism of unity and connection. He later incorporated it into his portrayal of Spock to add depth and history to the Vulcan culture.

The Vulcan salute quickly became associated with Spock and the Star Trek franchise, and it soon gained popularity beyond the show's fan base. Star Trek conventions, interviews, and public appearances by Leonard Nimoy often included the iconic hand gesture. Over time, the salute came to represent the ideals of peace, logic, and understanding espoused by the Vulcans in the Star Trek universe.

The cultural impact of the Vulcan salute is further exemplified by its adoption and recognition in diverse communities worldwide. The symbol is used as a sign of solidarity among Star Trek fans, often accompanied by the phrase "Live long and prosper." It has also been embraced by various organizations and individuals to promote goodwill and inclusivity.

In conclusion, while the Vulcan salute originated in the fictional universe of Star Trek, its real-life meaning and origins can be traced back to Leonard Nimoy's personal experiences and cultural influences. The hand symbol's connection to the Jewish blessing and its embodiment of unity and connection have contributed to its lasting popularity and significance in popular culture. The Vulcan salute serves as a reminder to embrace diversity, seek understanding, and strive for peace in the real world.

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The Star Trek hand symbol, also known as the Vulcan salute, has become an iconic part of popular culture. This hand gesture, made by extending the palm forward with the fingers split between the middle and ring fingers, was first introduced in the original Star Trek series by the character Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy.

Despite its origins in a science fiction television show, the Vulcan salute has been embraced by fans and has become a symbol of unity and peace. The gesture is often used by fans to identify themselves as part of the Star Trek community, and it has been adopted by various organizations and individuals outside of the show.

One of the most notable instances of the Vulcan salute being embraced by popular culture was during the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. Leonard Nimoy, who created the hand sign, was present at the event and performed the Vulcan salute when he was introduced to the crowd. This moment not only highlighted the cultural significance of Star Trek but also showed how the hand symbol has transcended its fictional origins to become a symbol of hope and unity.

The Vulcan salute has also been used in various forms of media and entertainment. It has made appearances in other television shows and movies, such as The Big Bang Theory, where the character Sheldon Cooper often uses the salute as a reference to his love for Star Trek. Additionally, the hand symbol has been featured in advertisements, artwork, and fan creations, showcasing its widespread popularity.

Outside of media and entertainment, the Vulcan salute has been embraced by various organizations and individuals as a symbol of peace and unity. It has been used in protests and demonstrations as a way to express solidarity and promote inclusivity. It has also been incorporated into various logos and designs, representing values such as diversity and acceptance.

The influence of the Vulcan salute can even be seen in scientific and technological advancements. For example, NASA astronauts Mark Lee and Jan Davis famously performed the Vulcan salute in space during the STS-47 mission in 1992. This gesture not only showcased their love for Star Trek but also highlighted the connection between science fiction and scientific exploration.

In conclusion, the Star Trek hand symbol, or Vulcan salute, has been embraced by fans and popular culture outside of the show. It has become a symbol of unity, peace, and hope, and has been adopted by various organizations and individuals. Through its appearances in media, entertainment, and even space exploration, the Vulcan salute continues to exemplify the influential impact of Star Trek on society.

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Frequently asked questions.

The Star Trek hand symbol is known as the Vulcan salute, which is a hand gesture used by the fictional Vulcans in the Star Trek universe. It consists of raising the hand, separating the fingers between the middle and ring finger, and keeping the thumb extended. The gesture is often accompanied by the phrase "live long and prosper."

The Star Trek hand symbol is not a real sign language gesture, but it was inspired by a Jewish blessing. Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played Mr. Spock, based the Vulcan salute on the traditional priestly blessing performed by Jewish Kohanim during religious ceremonies. Nimoy wanted to create a unique gesture for his character that conveyed a sense of peace and spirituality.

The Star Trek hand symbol gained popularity through the Star Trek television series and subsequent movies. As the character of Mr. Spock became increasingly popular, so did his iconic gesture. Fans of the show began adopting the Vulcan salute as a way to express their love for the series and to identify themselves as Star Trek enthusiasts. The hand symbol has since become a widely recognized symbol of Star Trek fandom.

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The history behind Leonard Nimoy’s Vulcan salute

Leonard Nimoy’s passing at the age of 83 is prompting a flood of reminiscences about the actor, artist, and poet best known for his portrayal of the half-human/half-Vulcan Spock on the television series and movies  Star Trek .

Many will remember him performing his trademark four-finger Vulcan salute, which the actor actually created himself:

Nimoy drew on his orthodox Jewish upbringing to invent the iconic hand gesture, and he wrote about the process of finding it in his memoir, I am Spock :

For what would soon become known as the Vulcan salute, I borrowed a hand symbol from Orthodox Judaism. During the High Holiday services, the Kohanim (who are the priests) bless those in attendance. As they do, they extend the palms of both hands over the congregation, with thumbs outstretched and the middle and ring fingers parted so that each hand forms two vees. This gesture symbolizes the Hebrew letter shin, the first letter in the word Shaddai, `Lord.’ … So it was that, when I searched my imagination for an appropriate gesture to represent the peace-loving Vulcans, the Kohanim’s symbol of blessing came to mind.

In a chat with the Baltimore Sun in 2000, Nimoy explained how he got the idea:

In the blessing, the Kohanim (a high priest of a Hebrew tribe) makes the gesture with both hands, and it struck me as a very magical and mystical moment. I taught myself how to do it without even knowing what it meant, and later I inserted it into “Star Trek.” There was a scene in one episode that needed something. People were seeing other members of the Vulcan race for the first time, and I thought it called for a special gesture.

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How Spock's Vulcan Hand Salute Is Inspired By Jewish Culture

There's a history behind the iconic gesture.

As the United States celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month, it's only fitting Star Trek fans think of one of the best characters of all time , Spock. Not just because actor Leonard Nimoy was Jewish but also because he made sure to incorporate some of his own heritage into the character via the Vulcan salute. 

Today, we'll dive into the history of this salute and how its origins have absolutely nothing to do with BTS star Jungkook , which is another story entirely. Considering we'll likely see the Vulcan salute a lot more in the upcoming season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 and beyond to Season 4 , Now is as good of a time as any to educate readers on the story behind its creation. 

Leonard Nimoy Improvised The Gesture In Season 2 Of Star Trek

A casual audience may think that the Vulcan salute was baked into Star Trek 's DNA from the get-go, but that's not the case. The hand signal actually made its first appearance in the Season 2 opener, "Amok Time," in which Spock ultimately learned his fiancé, T'Pring, had found another lover. The moment in the episode, which is available with a Paramount+ subscription , can be seen toward the end when Spock bids farewell to Vulcan leader T'Pau. 

The gesture, along with the phrase "Live long and prosper," became hallmarks of the Vulcan people. Due to Spock's popularity as a character, it's evolved into the universal icon for all Star Trek fans, to the point that in mainstream pop culture it's all someone has to do to signal they're a fan. It's such an iconic gesture, it's surprising to hear that it was made up by Leonard Nimoy, who used his Jewish heritage to create it. 

Nimoy Based The Vulcan Salute On A Jewish Hand Signal

StarTrek.com says that Nimoy, who was Jewish, came up with the Vulcan salute by referencing the Jewish Priestly Blessing of the descendants of Aaron. The gesture is performed by the priests of Aaron, or Kohanim. A gesture performed by the Kohanim at the beginning of a service to the congregation is similar to the Vulcan salute and can be seen in the video below: 

This ritual is now done symbolically, daily in Israel, and during festivals. Ironically, those of the Jewish faith who might've witnessed the practice might not have seen the hand signal, as they're meant to face the other direction while the blessing is given. The intention is so that those hearing the blessing focus on the words more than the ritual itself, but as Nimoy confessed, curiosity got the better of him and he looked.

He had good reason.

Obviously, there are differences between the ritual and the Vulcan salute, but to me it's clear in the video where the inspiration came from. It's funny to think that, had Nimoy been more obedient when observing the ritual as a child, we may have never seen a symbol that will still be used heavily in upcoming Trek shows down the road. 

Quite a fun bit of history, especially as we observe Jewish American Heritage Month. While later Spock actors Zachary Quinto and Ethan Peck are not of the faith, they carry on the tradition of the Vulcan salute. At this point it's so ingrained in the series it would be strange for either not to, but also I think Peck at least understands that to truly play the role, one must understand Leonard Nimoy as much as his character. As such, I'm sure he has some understanding of why Nimoy adapted this part of Jewish culture for Star Trek and the importance of using it throughout the series. 

Catch Leonard Nimoy's most iconic performances as Spock by watching Star Trek over on Paramount+. There's no shortage of great scenes to enjoy, though I think, given the month, that watching "Amok Time" would be the most appropriate. 

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Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.

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How Leonard Nimoy's Roots Inspired The Vulcan Salute

The Vulcan salute is instantly recognizable to most people, even if they're not "Star Trek"  fans, consisting of an open palm with the pinky and ring fingers pressed together on one side of the "V," with the middle and pointer making up the other side, the thumb extended on its own. According to a 2012 entry from the official Star Trek blog , the gesture was first performed by the character of Mr. Spock, played by actor Leonard Nimoy, on the episode "Amok Time," which premiered on television in 1967. The episode takes place on the planet Vulcan, where Spock uses the gesture to greet fellow Vulcan T'Pau, played by Celia Lovesky, probably little knowing the importance the gesture would have to "Star Trek" lore and pop culture history in general. 

Nimoy explained in 2012 that he had come up with his character's gesture himself: "The idea came when I saw the way Joe [director Joseph Pevney] was staging the scene. He had me approach T'Pau and I felt a greeting gesture was called for. So I suggested it to Joe, who accepted it immediately. Gene [Roddenberry, the creator of "Star Trek"] was not involved." Nimoy noted in his 1995 autobiography "I Am Spock," quoted by the website Quartz in 2015 on the occasion of Nimoy's death at the age of 83, that he had adapted the symbol from Orthodox Judaism, specifically a hand symbol the Konahim, or priests, make as they bless the congregation during High Holiday services "with thumbs outstretched and the middle and ring fingers parted so that each hand forms two vees."

The Vulcan salute copies an Orthodox Jewish gesture with special meaning

Nimoy wrote for the Star Trek blog that he had grown up in Boston's West End neighborhood, which was home to a large number of immigrants. He attended a local Orthodox Jewish synagogue with his family. They were particularly observant of the Jewish High Holidays. His father once instructed young Nimoy not to look at the priests as they prepared to say the benediction that included the gesture, as "it is believed that during this prayer, the 'Shekhina,' the feminine aspect of God comes into the temple to bless the congregation" and the accompanying light could be damaging. Some people traditionally close their eyes to protect them. Nimoy secretly peeked and recalled that upon seeing "the split-fingered gesture of these men ... I was entranced. I learned to do it simply because it seemed so magical." Around 25 years later he introduced a version of the hand sign as the Vulcan salute, accompanied with its own blessing: "Live long and prosper."

Writer Lindsay Traves explored the history of the Vulcan salute for the Star Trek blog in 2019 in honor of Jewish History Month. Rabbi Howard Morrison of Toronto's Beth Emeth Synagogue explained that the gesture, made with both hands with thumbs connected, forms the Hebrew letter Shin, which is the first letter of Shaddai, one of the names for God in the Torah. The gesture didn't come easily to all "Star Trek" actors; per the IMDb , Celia Lovsky had to have her fingers taped together in order for T'Pau to return Spock's greeting. 

Recommended

Vulcan finger-touching

Vulcan finger-touching between Spock and a Romulan commander

Finger-touching at a Vulcan marriage ceremony

Saavik assisting the regenerated Spock to endure pon farr

Vulcan finger-touching was a ritualistic gesture among Vulcans involving the index and middle fingers . It was used throughout their culture , including in public as a greeting or to signify affection , intimacy , respect , or meditation . It was also used at reunions , at wedding ceremonies, and during the pon farr . Contact ranged from a simple two-fingertip touch to tracing around another's hand .

If a Vulcan was bonded with a member of another species, the non-Vulcan would adopt the practice. The Romulans also had knowledge of the ritual, and it could be used as a greeting or a sign of interest. It could also be used as part of a meditative practice to center and control one's emotions or to purge them. ( TOS : " Journey to Babel ", " The Enterprise Incident "; Star Trek: The Motion Picture ; Star Trek III: The Search for Spock ; ENT : " Home ")

Notable occurrences [ ]

The instances in which Vulcan finger-touching was used included the following examples:

T'Pol and Koss during their wedding on Vulcan in 2154 . ( ENT : " Home ")

T'Pol and Koss upon greeting each other later that year. ( ENT : " The Forge ")

Sarek of Vulcan and Amanda Grayson of Earth on a diplomatic mission aboard the USS Enterprise in 2268 . ( TOS : " Journey to Babel ")

Spock and a female Romulan commander on her flagship later in 2268. ( TOS : " The Enterprise Incident ")

Spock performing finger touching during meditation on Vulcan, 2270s

During Vulcan meditation, Spock used finger touching as part of his meditation practice to expunge his emotions through Kolinahr . ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

A young, revived Spock, who was entering pon farr , with Saavik on the Genesis Planet in 2285 . Spock used the gestures she taught him while attempting to center his mind and emotions. ( Star Trek III: The Search for Spock )

Hallucination [ ]

While trapped in the Delta Quadrant in 2375 , a telepathic pitcher plant made the crew of USS Voyager believe they had returned to the Alpha Quadrant . Tuvok imagined that he was reunited with his wife T'Pel and greeted her in this manner. ( VOY : " Bliss ")

Background information [ ]

Regarding the origins of the Vulcan gesture involving touching of two fingers with two fingers, Leonard Nimoy explained in his book I Am Spock that the gesture was not meant to be the Vulcan equivalent of a Human kiss , but rather the Vulcan equivalent of holding hands in public: " The question came up as to what public sign of affection, if any, Sarek and his Human wife would display. Handholding was clearly out, but perhaps finger-to-finger contact of a ceremonial, dignified nature might work. Mark [Lenard] and Jane [Wyatt] took my comments to heart, and came up with the wonderful gesture where Amanda rests her first two fingers lightly upon Sarek’s two fingers. It worked beautifully, and added to the texture of [the episode]. " Nimoy also described Vulcan finger-touching as "the beginning of the Vulcan mating ritual", "the Vulcan two-fingers-touching 'embrace'", and "the Vulcan version of foreplay". ( I Am Spock , hardback ed., pp. 71-72, 237)

According to Harve Bennett , Leonard Nimoy imagined that, as a seven-year-old, Spock had engaged in some Vulcan finger-touching upon first meeting his betrothed, T'Pring . Nimoy related this concept to Bennett while they were writing Star Trek III: The Search for Spock . ( Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 3, Issue 8 , p. 31)

While filming the Vulcan finger-touching with Saavik actress Robin Curtis for Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , Stephen Manley , portraying the seventeen-year-old Spock, grabbed Curtis' hands with both of his hands, an improvised gesture intended to portray passion. Leonard Nimoy, as the film's director, strongly approved of this moment, even fighting for it to remain in the movie when the executives at Paramount were eager to edit it out because it was eliciting a lot of laughs from viewers who weren't entirely familiar with Star Trek . Manley was extremely grateful for Nimoy insisting on the scene remaining. At photo opportunities during Star Trek conventions from 2005 onward, Manley would typically hold his fingers touching those of female fans who wanted a picture taken with him. ("Spock: The Early Years", Star Trek: Motion Picture Trilogy (DVD) / (Blu-ray) special features)

A scene in the script of unmade movie Star Trek: The First Adventure involved Spock, as a cadet, teaching a stripper how to do Vulcan finger-touching. The script's stage directions identified this gesture as actually being pon farr .

In the first draft script of ENT : " Fusion " (which had the working title "Equilibrium"), Vulcans T'Pol and Szon did some finger-touching during a dream T'Pol experienced. This finger-touching was to have taken place in Enterprise 's mess hall , empty apart from the pair, and was described in the teleplay's stage directions thus: " Szon moves to her, reaching out two fingers in a traditional Vulcan gesture. T'Pol presents the back of her hand to him, and Szon presses his fingers against her flesh… T'Pol reacts to the sensual touch. " In the dream sequence, the finger-touching preceded a very sensual mind meld between the couple.

The writers of the film Star Trek debated, among themselves, about the possibility of having Spock and Uhura finger-touching in a turbolift scene from that movie. Ultimately, J.J. Abrams pointed out that such behavior would be unfamiliar and consequently puzzling to a new audience, so the pair of characters instead kiss in the same scene. In a Q&A, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman agreed with this conclusion. [1]

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Star Trek: When the Vulcan Salute First Appeared (and What It Means)

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Aside from the pointed ears, Mr. Spock's  Vulcan salute may be his most iconic feature. The gesture has become synonymous with Star Trek , to the point where fans use it as a standard greeting and subsequent sci-fi efforts like Mork and Mindy  satirized it. There are even plans to build a statue honoring the salute in Nimoy’s hometown of Boston. And yet, it was a late addition to the original series , and only came about because Leonard Nimoy had a moment of inspiration.

Nimoy first used the salute in Season 2, Episode 1, “Amok Time,” as a means to express greeting. It was conceived of on the spot during rehearsals, and while Gene Roddenberry subsequently attempted to claim credit for its invention, Nimoy has since recounted its origins in ancient Jewish tradition. He didn’t know that it was going to become a part of Star Trek when he used it, but considering its significance, the connection is quite fitting.

RELATED:  Star Trek's Longest Running Series, Revealed

"Amok Time" Defined the Vulcans

“Amok Time” is widely cited as a foundational moment for the cultural development of the Vulcans. Spock is overcome by the effects of pon farr, and must return to his homeworld before it kills him. It was fans’ first opportunity to see Spock’s culture directly, and the character’s popularity turned many of its tropes into accepted Vulcan traits. According to Nimoy, he simply wished to use an appropriately alien hand gesture to greet T’Pau who, as a judge and official over the proceedings, merited proper respect.

The salute had no significance beyond the immediate needs of the scene, but its ease of use meant that Nimoy could repeat it as a kind of shorthand -- along with the trademark “live long and prosper” -- anytime it felt appropriate. Fans began to emulate it for the same reasons, and soon it became an essential part of Star Trek. Adding further intrigue was the fact that some people struggle to make the gesture, with slight mechanical differences in individual hands making it more difficult. In preparing to take on the role of Spock in J.J. Abrams' reboot, Zachary Quinto even confessed difficulty in making the salute, requiring practice for him to perfect it. That odd quirk lent the salute an instant mystique that played into Mr. Spock’s identity perfectly.

RELATED: Star Trek: There's a Good Reason 'The Man Trap' Was the Series' First Episode

The Vulcan Salute Stems from a Jewish Ritual

The gesture itself comes from a blessing in the Jewish faith, made daily to the congregation. The Kohanim priests connect their thumbs and make the sign with both of their hands, which forms the Hebrew letter “shin”, the first letter used in a name for God. Its use as a blessing makes an ideal match for the Vulcans’ benevolence and wisdom and roots their overall spirituality in an actual religious tradition.

The particular circumstances under which Nimoy first saw the symbol bear mentioning as well. According to the actor's account on  StarTrek.com , his father told him not to look as the priests conducted the blessing (the congregation should be contemplating God instead of watching the priests.) Nimoy says that he looked anyway, and saw the priests making the sign. It felt magical to him, and he learned how to do it because of his fascination with the gesture. Star Trek inadvertently amplified that fascination and made it a key component in one of the franchises’ most beloved species.

KEEP READING:  Picard: Patrick Stewart, John De Lancie Tease Q's Star Trek Return

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Live Long and Prosper (Vulcan salute)

Live Long and Prosper is a now-famous hand gesture performed when two Vulcan characters either greet one another or take their leave. The phrase "Live long and prosper" is accompanied by this formal hand gesture. The (lesser known) response is "Peace and long life."

The single canon reference to this action being called a "salute" is in the episode "Journey to Babel", where Dr. McCoy asks Spock, "How does that Vulcan salute go?" Leonard Nimoy also calls this "the Vulcan hand salute" when he talks about it in interviews and documentaries. Fans generally refer to it this way as well. One very early example is this December 1967 reference: "Many thanks, and a Vulcan salute ... for suggesting [this] carbonzine become a fanzine ." [1]

In January 1968, the zine The Crewman's Log #5 had instructions on how to make "the Vulcan Salute" symbol with one's hands; it involved lots of practice and the application of "Scotch Tape" which one left on one's hand all day to "train your fingers."

Vulcan Pronunciation

There are at least three different versions of the Vulcan pronunciation of this phrase in common use:

• Dif-tor heh smusma is the version seen on most "official" Star Trek sources such as Memory Alpha ; it was first used in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). [2]
• Mene sakkhet ur-seveh is often seen in fanfic, but is not canon for the TV show or films; it has a later origin in Diane Duane 's novel Spock's World (1989).
• In the early 1970s, many fans said "Peace and Long Life" as Pastak v'dora lashe . Joan Verba in her book Boldly Writing says these words came from a "joint effort among Michelle Malkin , Joyce Yasner , and Lee Smoire [presumably this was the Lee Smoire who was a long-time member of the Washington Science Fiction Association]."
• More ways to say Live long and prosper and understand the IDIC at the Vulcan Language Institute

The Hand Gesture in Canon

Back in the 1960s, hippies who watched Amok Time thought the salute was a variation of the two-fingered peace sign. But we Jews knew better. - Rabbi Yonassan Gershom [3]

The Vulcan salute was performed in canon for the first time in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Amok Time." Celia Lovsky as T'Pau is the first person viewers saw raising her left hand in the now-familiar gesture.

Leonard Nimoy writes in "I Am Not Spock" that he based the hand gesture on the "Priestly Blessing" performed by Jewish Kohanim, the priests of the Hebrew Tribes, with both hands. It represents the Hebrew letter Shin (ש), which has three upward strokes similar to the position of the thumb and fingers in the salute. The letter Shin stands for Shaddai, meaning "Almighty (God)". The words of the blessing are from Numbers 6:24-26: "May the Lord bless you and keep you," and so on. Nimoy says he was also told that the Shin invokes the Shekinah , the female aspect of God, and it is she who enters the temple and blesses the people, especially on Friday night, as the Sabbath begins.

Live Long and Prosper: Valediction Used by Fans

"Live Long and Prosper" (commonly: "L.L.& P.") is used by some Trek fans as a closing to letters and messages to each other. For example: "See you at the next con! L.L.& P., MPH." Leonard Nimoy signed all of his Twitters with LLAP.

On January 15, 2016, Dr. Philippa Whitford, the Scottish National Party's MP, spoke in the House of Commons supporting the establishment of Britain's first spaceport to be in Scotland. She concluded with the salute and the words "Live long and prosper."

On March 26, 2021, "Leonard Nimoy Day" in Boston, the city's Museum of Science announced plans to enshrine the Vulcan salute as a 20-foot stainless steel sculpture by David Phillips, to stand outside the museum. Nimoy was born in the West End, not far from the museum. [4]

The "live long and prosper' symbol represents a message that my dad believed so strongly in. My dad always loved Boston and he would be honored knowing that the Museum of Science would be the permanent home to this memorial. The sculpture not only depicts one of the world’s most recognized and loved gestures for peace, tolerance, and diversity, but it will also be a beautiful tribute to my dad’s life and legacy. - Julie Nimoy

The Hand Gesture in Fanon

The gesture was named the Ta'al by Margaret Wander Bonanno in Dwellers in the Crucible , and many fans have adopted this name. Diane Duane refers to it as "the parted hand".

Jacqueline Lichtenberg incorporates the gesture in the philosophies expressed in her Kraith series. Here, it is an expression of devotion to Surak's Construct . The thumb held apart from the other fingers represents reverence for privacy: the small finger, IDIC ; the third finger, Nome , meaning All; the middle finger, reverence for life; and the index finger, the doctrine of the Domination of Logic. [5]

The Hand Gesture Portrayed in Fanworks

inside front cover of Energize!

back cover of Plak Tow #6

front cover of Grip #4

inside Menagerie #10, Doug Rice

front cover of Images and Dreams #4

back cover of Saurian Brandy Digest #4

front cover of In a Different Reality #2

cover of Eridani Triad

back cover of Menagerie #11

cover of a convention program

from the back cover of Trexperts #42, Robert Bruce Lloyd

cover of Vootie #1

inside art of The Elder Brother , artist is Nan Lewis , Spock appears to give Christine Chapel some instruction

External Links

• Vulcan Salute on Memory Alpha
• ^ from Plak-Tow #1
• ^ Vulcan Language on Memory Alpha ; the pronunciation was coined by James Doohan ( Scotty ) as a phrase that could be lip-synced to the spoken words "live long and prosper" in English.
• ^ Rabbi Yonassan Gershom, Jewish Themes in Star Trek . Lulu, 2010.
• ^ " Live long in sculpture: 20-foot art planned for Spock symbol ." Associated Press, March 26, 2021
• ^ from Surak's Construct
• Star Trek Concepts

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Where did Spock get his Vulcan hand sign?

Jun 12, 2020

At a young age, Leonard Nimoy saw a sign that later became his trademark and Vulcan salute of “live long and prosper.” I had read that this hand gesture was based on the compass and the square. But there’s more.

After some research, I discovered that the Vulcan sign used by Mr. Spock had a priestly background. Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the epic series, Star Trek, shared the history behind his famous hand sign. At about 8, Nimoy attended synagogue during the High Holy Days with his parents (Jewish immigrants from Ukraine). While there, he saw the blessing called Birkat Kohanim,  performed by the priestly descendants of Aaron — the Kohens or Cohens. 

“A group of men at this particular synagogue, the Kohen, members of a priestly tribe, stood up in front of the congregation to bless everyone,” Nimoy remembered. “They were very loud, ecstatic, almost like at a revival meeting, and they were shouting this prayer in Hebrew, ‘May the Lord bless and keep you…’ but I have no idea at the time what they’re saying. My father said ‘Don’t look’ and everybody’s got their heads covered with their prayer shawls or their hands over their eyes. And I see these guys with their heads covered with their shawls but out from underneath they have their hands up. It was chilling, spooky and cool.” Their hands, of course, were stretched out in the gesture that would be the Vulcan salute. “It’s the shape of the letter Shin in Hebrew, which is the first letter in the word  Shaddai , a word for God, and  shalom , the word for peace. It came back to me years later when we made a “Star Trek” episode “ Amok Time”  when Spock returns to his home planet for the first time and we see him interact with Vulcans.” (Los Angeles Times)

The hand sign forms the Hebrew letter Shin, representing God or fire. So, according to tradition, not the compass and the square, but an interesting sign, because if you look closely at when Spock makes the hand gesture, it does form a compass and square (if the thumb is fully extended and depending on how limber your joints are.) In the traditional priestly blessing upon which this was based, it appears that sometimes the fingers form five spaces to create a lattice, and other times the fingers are not divided, or the thumbs form a triangle.

The Priestly Blessing ifound in Numbers 6:24-26 was used by Aaron and his sons for blessing the children of Israel. You might say that this blessing on the people in a congregation is similar to the benediction, or closing prayer in many Christian denominations.

The Priestly Blessing, Birkat Kohanim, is also known as Nesi’at Kapayim, or the “lifting of the hands,” because the priests’ lift their hands, through which the divine blessings flow.

The Kohanim (priests and descendants of Aaron) reach forward with their arms, holding their hands together, thumbs touching, palms-down with their fingers separated, so there are five spaces: One space between the thumbs, a space between the thumb and first finger of each hand, and a space between the second and third finger of each hand. After the Kohanim assemble on the platform, the cantor or prayer leader will prompt them by reciting each word of the blessing, and the Kohanim will repeat that word. 

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them. (Numbers 6:22-27)

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Give Me a Sign: The Stories Behind 5 Hand Gestures

So much can be said with a hand gesture. Here are the stories behind gestures you might use every day, and some you might not.

Table Of Contents

1. the vulcan salute, 2. the shaka sign, 3. the corna, 4. the pledge of allegiance, 5. the high five.

We all know it, even if we can't all do it. The Vulcan Salute, made famous by Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek , has become a cultural icon recognized even by those who have never been to a sci-fi convention. And while the gesture is meant to be from another planet, its inspiration is anything but alien.

When Nimoy was a child, he witnessed a Jewish ritual called the "kohane blessing," which uses a hand sign meant to resemble the Hebrew letter "shin," which symbolizes the Hebrew word for "Shaddai," meaning "Almighty (God)." (Got that?) It's made by splitting the hand down the middle—holding the index and middle fingers together, the ring and pinky fingers together—and then the thumb pressed firmly against the side of the hand. The Orthodox priest giving the blessing holds both hands out in front of him in these strange configurations, palms down. When Nimoy was developing a greeting to be used between Vulcans, he remembered the sign and adapted it, using only one hand held up, and pulling his thumb away from the rest of the hand.

Nimoy had no problem doing the salute, but not all Trek actors have been so lucky.

William Shatner had to have his fingers tied together with fishing line whenever Captain Kirk needed to use the sign. Even the latest pointy-eared Vulcan, actor Zachary Quinto, who played a younger Mr. Spock in the recent blockbuster film, had to have his fingers stuck together with the skin-safe superglue used by hospitals as a replacement for traditional stitches.

The oldest origin story goes back to the days when Spanish sailors first landed on the Hawaiian Islands. Unable to speak the native tongue, but trying to be friendly, the Spaniards offered to share a drink by mimicking a bottle with their hand with the gesture and tilting back their head. This became such a common greeting that the natives simply believed that's how the Spanish said hello, so they started using the sign whenever the two groups encountered one another.

Another theory, from the mid-20th Century, claims the sign was inspired by the wave of a beloved local named Hamana Kalili, who'd lost the middle fingers on one hand. There are multiple theories as to how he lost his fingers: there was a shark attack, they were blown off while using dynamite to catch fish, or perhaps the digits were lost in an accident while working on a sugar plantation. But no one knows for sure anymore.

As if the origin of the gesture isn't mysterious enough, the word Shaka isn't even Hawaiian. However, most people agree the name goes back to a local used car salesman, Lippy Espinda, who would throw up the sign at the end of popular TV commercials during the 1960s and 70s, and say, "Shacka, brah!" ("Shocker, bro!")

During his Inauguration Parade, Barack Obama threw the Shaka Sign to greet Honolulu's Punahou School marching band.

If you're in Italy or Spain and you flash this sign towards a man, you might get beaten up. In this culture, the symbol represents the horns of one of nature's most virile animals, the bull. The bull in this case is usually meant to symbolize the guy sleeping with the man's wife behind his back. The sign can also be interpreted with the cuckold as the bull, who has been symbolically castrated by his wife. Either way it's bound to make him see red.

However, turn your palm down and point the extended fingers at someone who doesn't like you, and you're simply guarding yourself from the Evil Eye. In ancient times, bulls were often seen as protective deities, so turning the bull's horns against an enemy was a way of keeping the curse at bay.

On a similar note, in South America, if you have the horn sign held up and twist it back and forth, it's known as "lagarto" or Lizard Gesture. Similar to the old superstition "Knock on wood," it's thought that by doing this you can protect yourself from any bad mojo that might occur after someone utters the taboo word "culebra," or snake.

Of course the corna is also used by fans of the University of Texas, where they call it the "Hook 'Em Horns." Created in 1955 by student Harley Clark, the sign represents the school's mascot, a Texas longhorn steer named Bevo, and his impressive 72" horns. Being a

Texas native

former Governor of Texas, though not a UT alumni, President George W. Bush and his family were known for flashing the Hook 'Em Horns during appearances in the Lone Star State.

But there's another group of fans who use the corna, too "“ fans of heavy metal music. The gesture in metal goes back to occultist band Coven, a group heavily inspired by counter culture figures like renowned Satanist Anton LaVey, who used the corna as a sign of the Devil. However, it was Ronnie James Dio, lead singer for Black Sabbath in the late-1970s, that really made the sign take hold in the genre. He borrowed the gesture from his superstitious Italian grandmother who used it to ward off evil. He felt the sign's pagan origins fit perfectly with the subject matter of the band's music.

Chances are, when you were saying the Pledge of Allegiance in elementary school, you placed your hand over your heart in a sign of adoration for Old Glory. But if you were in school before World War II, you probably used an entirely different gesture to address the flag—the Bellamy Salute.

However, as the years went by, parts of the Bellamy Salute fell out of use, while others evolved. First, the military salute was abandoned, leaving only the straight arm presentation of the flag. But then the palm went from facing up, to sideways, and by the 1940s, it faced down. This last version became a problem as America entered World War II, because it so closely resembled the stiff-armed salute of dictators Mussolini and Hitler. The hand over the heart gesture was suggested as a viable alternative and President Franklin Roosevelt signed it into law in 1942 as part of the Flag Code, making it the official gesture for the Pledge of Allegiance we all know today.

While no one can say for sure where the high five came from, some believe the first one was exchanged between Glenn Burke and Dusty Baker, baseball players for the L.A. Dodgers, after a home run in 1977. But there is one man who claims he knows the origin of the high five, because he says he's the guy who invented it.

Lamont Sleets, Jr. says he adopted the high five from a salute his father exchanged with old Army buddies from the 5th Infantry regiment, nicknamed "The Five." To say hello, the men would stick their hand straight up in the air, spread their fingers wide, and call out "Five!" Anytime he saw the Five greeting, Sleets Jr. would say "Hi, Five!" to the visiting veteran and slapped the upraised hand with his own. Sleets Jr. went on to become one of the top basketball players at Murray State University in the late-1970s and he brought his odd salutation with him. It became popular with his teammates, and as the team traveled the country to play other schools, Sleets says the gesture caught on.

To celebrate this infamous hand gesture, students at the University of Virginia created "National High Five Day," which takes place on the third Thursday in April (yesterday). * * * * * * Have a favorite fun hand gesture we didn't mention? Is there one you've always wondered where it came from? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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Published Mar 26, 2021

Nimoy Family and Boston's Museum of Science Announce Vulcan Salute Monument

The sculpture will honor beloved entertainer's life and legacy as a symbol of peace and unity

StarTrek.com

The Museum of Science, Boston, one of the world’s largest science centers and one of Boston’s most popular attractions, in collaboration with the family of Leonard Nimoy, legendary actor of the historic television series, Star Trek , today, announced the development of a monument honoring the Boston native to be located at the Museum of Science.

The 20-foot, illuminated, stainless steel monument, designed by artist David Phillps, will be shaped in the famous “Live Long and Prosper” hand gesture that the actor’s character Mister Spock was known for. It will be located in front of the Museum, at Science Park, welcoming visitors and Star Trek fans from around the world.

“The “Live Long and Prosper” symbol represents a message that my dad believed so strongly in,” said Julie Nimoy, daughter of the entertainer. “My dad always loved Boston and he would be honored knowing that the Museum of Science would be the permanent home to this memorial. The sculpture not only depicts one of the world’s most recognized and loved gestures for peace, tolerance, and diversity, but it will also be a beautiful tribute to my dad’s life and legacy.”

Leonard Nimoy’s career spanned over 60 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist and photographer. He is one of Hollywood's most recognized and loved entertainers. Born in the West End of Boston, just blocks from where the Museum of Science is now located, Nimoy’s values for unity and tolerance, stemmed from his early days growing up in Boston.

The idea for the Live Long and Prosper hand gesture as the Vulcan greeting, originated from Nimoy himself, who was inspired by an ancient blessing he saw growing up in his synagogue. Later, in the 1980’s Nimoy collaborated with the Museum of Science as the recognizable voice of the original introduction film of the Mugar Omni Theater which has welcomed millions of audience members over the past three decades.

“Leonard Nimoy was one of our own. Growing up a few blocks from the Museum of Science, he never forgot his immigrant roots. He was, and forever will be, a beloved part of our Museum family,” says Tim Ritchie president of the Museum of Science. “He lifted our aspirations and hopes through his commitment to science, intellectual curiosity, generosity, and, yes, logic. He reminded us about the best part of humanity and gave us a vision for building a society based on reason and tolerance. The opportunity to pay tribute to him is a great honor and what better day to make this announcement than on what would have been his 90th birthday.”

The Museum of Science and the Family of Leonard Nimoy will collaborate on the next phases of development of the Leonard Nimoy memorial sculpture which will include finalizing site plan, fundraising, and construction. Those interested in donating to the memorial fund can visit the Museum of Science Boston's official site.

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7 Famous Hand Signs Used in Movies

Table of Contents

7 famous hand signs used in movies, vulcan hand salute from star trek, the atreides blade salute from dune, the “these aren’t the droids you’re looking for” jedi mind trick gesture from star wars, the hail skroob salute from spaceballs, the 3-finger “district 12” sign from hunger games, the zoltan sign from dude, where’s my car, wrapping up.

Like any good art, much of cinema is full of bizarre and unique fictional inventions, from whole languages and worlds to small but fascinating details such as salutes and hand signs. In sci-fi and fantasy, in particular, additions such as these can make all the difference when it comes to creating the right atmosphere and an overall believable and memorable fictional world. So, let’s go over some of the most famous hand signs used in movies and what they mean.

Going over all the popular hand signs and gestures from movies would be a lost cause, especially considering how far back movie history goes. This is even more so if we consider foreign cinema. There are some signs that stand the test of time, however, and are easily recognizable even decades after they first hit the big screen.

There is hardly a more recognizable fictional hand gesture in all of movie history and sci-fi in general than the Vulcan salute from Star Trek . Usually accompanied by the iconic phrase “Live long and prosper”, the salute does have a very clear-cut and simple meaning behind it – it’s a greeting and/or farewell sign, wishing the other person to live long and prosper.

The exact in-universe origin or any deeper meaning of the salute isn’t known but we do know that actor Lenard Nimoy came up with it in real life . According to him, the Vulcan salute came up as a combination of a Jewish hand salute he had seen as a child and Winston Churchill’s peace sign .

The 2021 Denis Villeneuve adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune came with a lot of surprises. Many people were astonished at how well and closely the movie managed to follow the first book of the series while others were shocked by some of the changes made by the adaptation.

One of the curious examples is the famous hand and blade salute of House Atreides. In the books, it’s described as members of House Atreides touching their foreheads with their blades. Most readers seem to have imagined this as something similar to the classic fencing salute.

Yet, in the movie, the salute is shown a bit differently – with the characters first putting their blade-holding fist in front of their hearts and then lifting it above their heads, lifting the blade horizontally above the forehead.

Is this really a major change or is this what Herbert actually envisioned? Even if it isn’t, there’s no doubt that the movie’s version also looks epic and fits very well with the tone and atmosphere of Dune’s world.

Not really a sign, a greeting, or a salute, this is rather just a gesture used by the Jedi Force users in the Star Wars franchise. Used to slightly manipulate the target’s memories and behavior, this gesture was first used by Obi-Wan Kenobi’s original actor Alec Guinness in 1977’s Star Wars .

Since then, the Jedi mind trick was used in various other installments of the Star Wars franchise such as The Phantom Menace in 1999 when Qui-Gon Jinn played by Liam Neeson tried and failed to mind trick the Toydarian Watto. More than that, the hand sign has also been widely used by fans of the franchise as both a greeting and a meme.

For a salute full of some irreverent humor, there are few betters places to go to than Spaceballs . This masterful satire of Star Wars and other popular flicks managed to craft the perfect two-part salute for its genre – first, the universal F-you sign and then a dainty finger wave. Do we need to look for some extra meaning in this classic Mel Brooks joke? Certainly not.

The famous hand salute from the Hunger Games franchise is easily recognizable but it’s not actually original. Anyone who’s ever been in the scouts knows that this sign comes from there, not from the Hunger Games books or movies.

The sign in the young adult franchise does come with a bit of flair, however. First, it starts with a kiss on those same three fingers before they are raised in the air. Secondly, the sign is also often accompanied by the famous Hunger Games whistle.

What’s more, the sign is also full of in-universe symbolism. In the story, it starts off as a funeral gesture but it quickly evolves into a symbol of District 12 as well as of the broader revolution, while the protagonist Katniss Everdeen starts using it in the Hunger Games tournament. Fans of the series also use the sign in real life to this day to signify their part in the fandom.

Onto another classic satire, the 2000 Ashton Kutcher and Sean William Scott comedy Dude, Where’s My Car? had one of the simplest and most iconic hand signs in movie history – the Zoltan sign.

A simple Z formed by touching the thumbs of both hands and spreading the fingers in different directions, this symbol didn’t really have a deeper meaning in the movie, other than poking fun at the cult leader of a ridiculous group of UFO worshippers.

Curiously enough, however, the symbol was later adopted by a US baseball team. The Pittsburgh Pirates jokingly used the sign after one successful game 12 years after the movie had come out. The players appear to have done it as a joke but the fans caught on immediately and turned the Zoltan sign into a new symbol for the team going forward.

Let’s end things on a famous fictional salute that maybe tried to be serious but still looks kind of funny regardless. Coming straight from Marvel Comics and into the MCU in 2011, the Hail Hydra salute is a play on the famous Hail Hitler salute of Nazi Germany.

Only in this case, it’s both arms instead of just one and with closed fists instead of a flat hand. Does it make a bit of sense? Sure. Does it have any deeper meaning? Not really.

All in all, these are just a few of the many famous hand signs used in movies and popular culture. If we are to extend a wider look into TV shows, animation, and video game franchises we’d find dozens and hundreds more, each more unique than the next. Some have deeper meanings, others are straightforward but still iconic, and quite a few are just jokes and memes. Yet, they are all quite memorable and fascinating nevertheless.

Yordan Zhelyazkov is a published fantasy author and an experienced copywriter. While he has degrees in both Creative Writing and Marketing, much of his research and work are focused on history and mythology. He’s been working in the field for years and has amassed a great deal of knowledge on Norse, Greek, Egyptian, Mesoamerican, Japanese mythology, and others.

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Earth from space: Iconic 'Star Trek' symbol shines brightly in sea of muddy Arctic sea ice

A 2012 satellite photo captured a patch of snow-covered sea ice with an uncannily similar shape to badges pinned on the uniforms of Starfleet officers in the "Star Trek" franchise.

Where is it? Foxe Basin in Nunavut, Canada [ 68.79136545, -80.08562796 ]

What's in the photo? A patch of snow-covered sea ice in the shape of a Starfleet badge

Which satellite took the photo? NASA's Earth Observing-1 (EO-1)

When was it taken? July 26, 2012

This 2012 satellite image captured an unusual snow-topped structure located among a sea of dirty, fracturing sea ice in northern Canada. The curved white hook resembles the rounded, arrowhead-shape badges pinned to the uniforms of fictional Starfleet officers, such as James T. Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard, in the iconic "Star Trek" franchise.

The satellite spotted the quirky feature in Foxe Basin — a shallow, 316,000-square-mile (819,000 square kilometers) body of water north of Hudson Bay. The structure is draped around a group of tiny, rocky islands, known as the Manning Islands.

The icy arrowhead "was probably caused by snow getting trapped in rough, ridged ice that formed as it ran up against the Manning Islands," Nathan Kurtz , chief scientist of the Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, told NASA's Earth Observatory in 2014. The 1.5-mile-wide (2.5 km) patch appeared to be multi-year sea ice, meaning it was made up of ice dating back several years, he added.

During the summer, when this photo was taken, Arctic sea ice begins to melt and break apart into thousands of smaller fragments that eventually break away and melt completely. In this case, a majority of those fragments had a muddy brown color, which was a result of staining from sediment that got dragged up from the seafloor, according to Earth Observatory.

Related: See all the best images of Earth from space

Some of the larger fragments of ice in the photo are peppered with small blue dots. These are melt ponds, which are shallow puddles of water that form on the surface of the ice as it melts.

The waters surrounding these sea ice fragments are rich in phytoplankton, which makes them a hotspot for a wide variety of marine animals including Arctic terns ( Sterna paradisaea ), seals , walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus ), polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ), narwhals ( Monodon monoceros ) and beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas ).

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This photo was taken during a record-low year for Arctic sea ice. In 2012, the minimum sea ice extent — the lowest amount of sea ice coverage in a given year — was the lowest since records began in 1979, the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) reported at the time .

By Aug. 2 that year, which was around seven days after the photo was taken, there was "very little ice left" in Foxe Basin, NASA representatives wrote.

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The 2012 record still stands to this day. However, recent years have also seen very low minimum sea ice extent thanks to the increasing effects of human-caused climate change.

This is not the first time that eagle-eyed science-fiction enthusiasts have spotted the Starfleet badge in satellite photos of our solar system .

In 2019, researchers spotted the shape on the surface of Mars in photos from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. In this case, the arrowhead shape was likely the result of strong winds sculpting the Red Planet's rocks.

Harry is a U.K.-based senior staff writer at Live Science. He studied marine biology at the University of Exeter before training to become a journalist. He covers a wide range of topics including space exploration, planetary science, space weather, climate change, animal behavior, evolution and paleontology. His feature on the upcoming solar maximum was shortlisted in the "top scoop" category at the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Awards for Excellence in 2023. 

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