Russia Gestures and Their Meanings

[Mariboulg]

Every culture has certain gestures, or body language, the meanings of which are either unique to that culture or surprisingly similar to those found in Western culture. Russia is no exception. The following are just a few examples of, what I consider, some of the more interesting gestures used by the Russian people.

Various General Gestures

Split the cost of a bottle of vodka?
This is a gesture used by a man who is seeking another man to share the price of a bottle of vodka. The individual stands upright and with his right hand extends the first two fingers across his chest indicating "two." Similarly, if a third person is needed to split the cost of a bottle, the individual extends three fingers. The three fingers are laid on the lower chest with the thumb and little finger folded under and out of sight.

What a dummy!
This unique gesture is made by men and women, commenting on something dumb they have done. The hand, with all fingers and thumb extended, is lightly slapped on the center of the forehead. Then, with all digits still extended, the hand is rotated upwards so that the fingers lay on the brow and the thumb extends upward, above the head. This two part gesture is used by the individual to refer to themselves.

You got that backwards!
This interesting gesture is used to communicate ones opinion that another person has something backwards or is making a task too complicated. The gesturer will reach behind his/her head and scratch the right ear with the left had; or the other way around.

The Triple Kiss
Thought to have its origins with the Russian Orthodox Church and Rublev's icon of the Trinity, this form of greeting is gradually fading from Russian culture. Used exclusively by men who have not seen each other for some time, the gesture involves and embrace with the man being greeted kissing the greeter three times on alternating cheeks.

Men and Women Talking
When Russian men engage in conversation, the distance between the two is typically about ten inches. This is considered a comfortable proximity and is different from Americans who would consider something closer to two feet preferable.

Russian women tend to have little, if any, space between them when conversing. Women will tend to chat, seated rather than standing, and frequently touch each other on the hand or arm, even embracing from time to time during the conversation.

Russian women are, also, more intimate when strolling or walking casually with another woman who is a close friend or relative. In such situations, one will often see women walking arm in arm and chatting as they go.

Not a chance!
This, almost amusing, gesture looks like a familiar American gesture used in child's play. The fingers are clenched in a fist with the thumb extended between the index and middle fingers, as when we look at a child and say "I got your nose!" In the Russian case, this gesture has nothing to do with play. It is a very emphatic and absolute "no" to whatever question or proposal was just made.

Help!
This gesture, believed to go back to peasant times, is used to indicate that one is in danger and needs help. The fingers are fisted with the index and middle fingers extended. With the palm side of the hand facing towards the gesturer, the two fingers are placed on either side of the throat.

Gestures Related to Beliefs and Superstitions

Sign of the Cross
An official gesture of the Russian Orthodox Church and used by its clergy and faithful, alike. Unlike the similar gesture used by Roman Catholics, the Orthodox cross themselves with the index and middle finger of the right hand resting on the thumb. The gesture begins with by touching the forehead, the chest just below the neck, then the right shoulder and, lastly, the left shoulder. The gesture is used several times throughout the day, not just in church. It is, currently, most prevalent among elderly women. The sign of the Cross is made when leaving ones home, at the end of a silent prayer, or simply at the onset of ones workday. Some believe that, when one yawns, Satan will take the opportunity to enter the person by the opened mouth. Someone who yawns, without covering their mouth, may well find an elderly lady making the sign of the Cross over their open mouth to keep evil from entering!

Sit a spell
In the West we are in such a hurry that this custom will seem odd to many. When a friend is leaving on a trip, it is common for this person and a close friend, spouse, etc., to sit, in silence, for a few minutes, on the traveler's packed suitecases prior to him/her departing. It is believed that this moment of togetherness will cause the traveler to have a safe journey.

Spitting for a purpose
Spitting is, something Westerners find crude and undignified, has its place in Russian gestures and beliefs. To ward off bad luck or to express the hope for continued good fortune (similar to 'knock on wood'), the individual spits three times over his left shoulder.

From: http://russianculture.about.com/libr...y/aa072699.htm

[mastodon]

very interesting!

i shall check out the web site you got this stuff from. i am interested in the non-textbook material regarding culture.

[Soodna]

Mariboulg,
Great web site. Just checked it out...thanks!