The Origins of the Wave
How a simple gesture came to mean so much
Picture this: You’re walking down the street, and you see a familiar face across the way. What do you do?
Most likely, you would say "Hey!" to your friend while raising your hand up, spreading your fingers, and moving your hand from side to side.
Waving is a common gesture in our culture today, but have you ever thought about why we wave?
For most of us, waving is unspoken body language that conveys a message based on the waver's wave technique. (See below)! Waving is the simplest way to communicate your intention and one of the first elements of language we learn as infants.
Waving has become a casual way of demonstrating friendliness. When we hold our palms open with our fingers extended it's a sign that our intention is peaceful. No weapons here!
Waving can also be used to signal for help, say goodbye, or simply acknowledge the presence of another human being. You can even flirt with a wave!
Who Was the First We Waver?
The origins of why we wave are unclear, but it's evident that throughout the history of mankind, the symbol of the hand holds special meaning.
Archeologists and paleoanthropologists have discovered hundreds of examples of prehistoric hand art in caves around the world. Many of these hands appear bent and purposely depicted with short fingers. While we will never know the intention behind this ancient hand art, researchers believe the finger patterns and placements of these hands were a form of communication.
Were these relics of an Ice Age sign language passing along advice on navigating the dimly lit passageways? Or was hand art the Ice Age's version of a selfie, recording their unique existence in the world? We will never know. But it's clear that from man’s beginnings, the hand has been a symbol of humanity that connects us all.
As humans, we are biologically wired for connection and to communicate vital information. Whether you use your hand to wave to a friend, give the middle finger to the dude who cut you off on your morning commute or signal for help, you are communicating to another being able to interpret your message.
What are you saying with your wave? And, perhaps more important, what does your wave say about you?
Ready to find out what your 👋 says about you?
Here are nine common waves and the messages they can convey:
The Palm Tree
You hold your arm extended over your head, hand fully open. You are genuinely excited and eager to get someone’s attention. There’s nothing subtle about you. The Palm Tree says, “Look over here! Hey! I want to connect with you right now!”
Half-Hearted Papal Blessing
Arm bent at the elbow, you aren’t sure whether you want to acknowledge the other person or not. By extending only two fingers, and slightly rotating the wrist back and forth you are making a connection — if the other person happens to be looking your way. If they don’t see you, well, no big deal. Half-Hearted Papal Blessing says, “Hiya. I’m busy, but I see you and wish you well.”
Wind Shield Wiper
Arm bent at elbow, hand fully upright, palm outstretched, this popular wave exudes just the right amount of friendliness without a whiff of desperation. When accompanied with a big smile, the Wind Shield Wiper says, “Hello friend, good to see you again!” Or “Goodbye, see you again soon!”
Air Traffic Control
Both hands extended above your head, crossing over and then opening wide, this is the most attention-getting of all waves. The Air Traffic Control wave may be used in times when you really need to get someone’s attention to stop (particularly in a vehicle), or when you are in a crowded area and want to be seen. This wave says, “Stop! I am here!!!”
Shaka Bro
The pointer and pinky fingers take center stage as the hand rocks side to side for this ultra cool greeting. The shaka-bro wave says, “You are cool/awesome and so am I!”
Queen/Miss America Wave
Arm bent at the elbow and held tight to the body while the fingers and thumb are kept close together. This wave was developed by professional wavers who have to greet their minions daily. It’s very rigid, controlled movement allows you to acknowledge a crowd without getting personal (which would be below your station in life.)
Peace Sign
The index and pointer finger form a “V” while the thumb holds down the ring finger to create this universal sign of good will. Popularized during WWII to mean V for victory and then adopted by hippies in the 1960s, the Peace Sign has made its way into mainstream culture and is used by anyone who wants to convey good vibes to friends and strangers alike.
Swearing-In
Think: Raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you, God. Arm raised at the elbow, palm flat and open, the Swearing-In wave doesn’t require much movement thus conserving your energy for other random acts of kindness. When you either don’t have a lot of time or the energy, the Swearing-In wave is the perfect greeting/acknowledgment.
Wiggly Finger
Most commonly used in circumstances where you already have the person’s attention. With arm raised at the elbow, hand often positioned near your face, the gentle movement of wiggling the fingers indicates that you want to make a friendly connection. The Wiggly Finger wave is often used with babies and young children, especially those who are staring at you in line at the grocery store or from their car seats.
