You know after En el nombre de padre y del hijo y del spirity santo amen, then they kiss their thumb??
2006-10-12 05:04:54 · 7 answers · asked by ChicaInquisitiva 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They aren't actually kissing their finger - they are folding their index finger over their thumb to create the shape of a cross and are kissing that. It's considered a sign of piety as a cultural convention.
I once heard that this gesture began in Spain during the Inquisition as almost a "secret sign" to weed out the "real" Catholic from those who were faking it. The tradition was brought over to the New World and forced upon the natives. Don't know how accurate that is, but it is rather interesting.
2006-10-12 05:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I assume the index finger is also perpendicular to the thumb? It's supposed to look like a cross that you "symbolically" crucify yourself with and you finish by kissing the sign of the cross to thank Jesus or whatever. I think all of organized religion is weird. I just stick to thanking God every once in a while, cause if he exists, he must be a bust guy.
2016-03-28 06:25:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Catholic myself, I know that when the Rosary is recited the person starts by holding the cross in their hand does the sign of the cross, and then kisses the cross immediately before beginning the first prayer. I believe this is more customary among the older members of the parish. A lot of the older customs are still active especially among the Hispanic population. This maybe why.
2006-10-12 05:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by clemsonrivers 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told that it was a sign of respect. They make the sign of the cross, and their thumb makes a cross over their finger. They kiss their thumb as they would the cross in a sign of respect for God.
2006-10-12 05:10:46 · answer #4 · answered by sister steph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Out of love and respect for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And it looks cool.
2006-10-12 05:07:24 · answer #5 · answered by gnomus12 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are a cult of thumb lovers
2006-10-12 05:06:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the way that we were taught in our countrys. IT is like we are kissing them showing love.
2006-10-12 05:10:00 · answer #7 · answered by clementeymaggi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋