when catholics cross themselves sometimes they end by kissing their thumb. why? why do only some do this?

Answer 1

DH, who is Puerto Rican and who does this, says its a "thank you" for dying for him and a sign of love for having been crucified for him. (Thanks for asking, now I know too.)

Answer 2

The final act of kissing the thumb is the symbol of kissing the cross that you have just signed.

This is a cultural adaptation of the prayer "Sign of the Cross," and is traditional in Latin American Catholics.

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

For myself, we usually hold our rosary beads in our right hands, gripping the crucifix between our thumn and forefinger. So I would kiss the crucifix after crossing myself. It often looked like I was kissing my thumb. When I did not have my rosary with me, out of habit, I still kissed my thumb. It is our belief.

Answer 4

Very good question. I see this in mob movies a lot.

There's also the popular variation of kissing the rosary around their necks.

Answer 5

Just a littl more Jube Jube - they often really fall for that CULT stuff!

Answer 6

I have wondered this too. I was raised catholic, but people in our church didn't do that as far as I can recall.

Answer 7

those are the ones that just had KFC, cause everyone knows its
finger (or thumb) lickin' good....

Answer 8

it represents 'amen' in the sign of the cross.

as in, the father - son - holy spirit - amen.

Answer 9

Is it because it is impossible for them to kiss their ***?

Answer 10

cause there crazy