Hand Gesture
In some areas of India it is customary that, out of respect, when a person's foot accidentally touches a book or any written material (which are considered to be a manifestation of the goddess of knowledge Saraswati) or another person's leg, it will be followed by an apology in the form of a single hand gesture (Pranāma) with the right hand, where the offending person first touches the object with the finger tips and then the forehead and/or chest. This also counts for money, which is considered to be a manifestation of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi.
Read more about this topic: Respect
Famous quotes containing the words hand and/or gesture:
“Father Time is not always a hard parent, and, though he tarries for none of his children, often lays his hand lightly upon those who have used him well; making them old men and women inexorably enough, but leaving their hearts and spirits young and in full vigour. With such people the grey head is but the impression of the old fellow’s hand in giving them his blessing, and every wrinkle but a notch in the quiet calendar of a well- spent life.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“she gives her children neither sense nor money
Who slouch arouond the world with a gesture and a brogue
And a faggot of useless memories.”
—Louis MacNeice (1907–1963)