How did the "goat" gesture appear and what does it mean

Everyone knows that visitors to rock concerts throw up their hands in a gesture popularly called "goat". It is believed that the exposed index finger and little finger symbolize the Latin letter U and this means "unity" – unity, as the index and middle finger – the letter V or "victory" – victory. Showing the "goat", the person says- "I am with you". But how did this gesture come about and are we using it correctly?

There is a version that "goat" is a slightly modified phrase of the deaf-mute language ILY (I love you) – "I love you". It looks like a fist, with the little finger, index finger and thumb exposed. Supporters of this interpretation believe that fans of rock music express their love for the performers in this way. However, in the Russian language of the deaf and dumb, this gesture also means the letter "S".

Rock musician Ronnie James Dio, who played in the 1980s as part of the band Black Sabbath, was the first to use the "goat" in rock culture. He claimed that he has known this gesture since childhood and his grandmother taught him it. In an interview with journalists, he said this about it:

But some experts on rock paraphernalia dispute Dio's words and attribute the first use of "goat" to Richie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix or George Clinton. But if Ronnie Dio's Italian grandmother knew this gesture and considered it sacred, it means that it existed exactly before the appearance of rock and roll.

In palmistry, the index finger is associated with Jupiter, and the little finger is associated with Mercury. Jupiter in ancient Roman mythology is the supreme god who commands thunder and lightning. Mercury is the god of trade and theft, who also accompanies the dead to the underworld. Therefore, putting out their index finger and little finger, people asked for the patronage of Jupiter and the help of Mercury, accompanied by the soul of an enemy to the next world.

In the Middle Ages, this gesture, like many other attributes associated with paganism, was strictly prohibited by the church. During the Inquisition, it was believed that witches and warlocks greeted each other by showing a "goat", and it means the devil's horns. In the literature, this gesture was first mentioned by Bram Stoker in Dracula:

It turns out everything is as my grandmother told little Ronnie, which means that the gesture could have not only a negative, but also a protective meaning. This is so – "goat", "corn"," horns"," raspaltsovka " is still used by various European peoples as a protection against the evil eye and bad luck, as well as spitting over your shoulder or tapping on wood.

Some are surprised by the "goat" that the saints show on Orthodox icons. In this context, this gesture has no sacred meaning and belongs to the field of oratory. According to the book "Instructions to the speaker" by the ancient Roman rhetorician Quintilian, the finger formation, in which the two middle fingers bend under the thumb, and the index and little finger stretch forward, is called an "urgent gesture". That is, in this way, the speaker designated the most important points of the speech.

In Russia, the "goat" was popular from the beginning of the 30s to the end of the 90s in the criminal environment and was called "raspaltsovka". This gesture is borrowed from street children of the 20s and literally means"I'll blink out". By the way, in" Gentlemen of Fortune", the hero of Yevgeny Leonov used it incorrectly in prison, using his index and middle fingers.

Despite the popularity of "raspaltsovka", since about the second half of the 80s, it has been treated ironically-negatively in the criminal environment. In the eyes of "experienced" people, showing a "goat" during a conversation, automatically became a "fraer" (a person far from the criminal world), trying to pass for his own.

Therefore, in the early 90s, no one flaunted the "raspaltsovka" in the colonies and prisons, and it became the prerogative of the new Russians and racketeers. They were aggressive and energetic young people who, according to old criminals, lived "without concepts". Once behind bars, fans of "raspaltsovka" were quickly brought to their senses by psychological and physical pressure, and they quickly lost their pride.

But in Italy, "goat" is a common gesture for older people, especially in rural areas. It is shown when they meet with a funeral procession or incomprehensible phenomena, as a talisman against evil forces. But they point their fingers in the direction of the threat, not up. You should know that the" goat " with the Italians pointing up their fingers can be perceived as a serious insult.

The ancestors of the Italians, the Romans, asked for" goat " protection from Jupiter and Mercury for themselves, and the ancient Egyptians used a hand with two fingers exposed, guarding their dead. Such sculptures and bas-reliefs decorated the tombs of pharaohs and great nobles from robbers, since on the banks of the Nile they believed that the "goat" could send curses. This gesture also had a negative connotation in the Arab world – it was directly related to the Shaitans and jinns.

It is safe to say that "goat" is an ancient, pagan gesture. But its positive or negative coloring depends on the context and a certain area. In the modern world, this sign should not cause negative emotions in civilized people, if it is not accompanied by insults or curses.

Still, do not forget that there are countries in which some gestures are unacceptable from the point of view of etiquette. Therefore, use them carefully.