Is it a Catholic thing to greet someone by holding your hand to your chest as in the Pledge of Allegiance

[teamjesusnumber31]

New Catholic here. Someone did this walking by me at church outside. It was a young lady and the gesture seemed ladylike by nature so I’m wondering if it’s some kind of old fashioned way Catholic women greet others. I’m not sure I’ve ever been greeted that way.

 

[MNathaniel]

Uh?

Nah. Not that I know of.

Maybe it’s just a Covid thing, she didn’t want to breathe pandemic germs on you by saying ‘hello’?

Maybe she was in the middle of private prayer and something touched her heart so by reflex she touched her heart (I do that sometimes), and she happened to spot you at the same time and nod toward you, and you connected both actions to the greeting?

Maybe it’s cultural from something not Catholic-specific?

Anyway, maybe others know more than me. But I know of no secret Catholic greeting like you describe.

 

[Irishmom2]

No, it’s not any kind of “Catholic thing.” Most likely she saw this gesture somewhere and things that it is somehow charming or quaint.

There is a man at my parish involved with mass sometimes that likes to do that to, and I find it annoying as it is an unnecessary gesture.

 

[1ke]

was a young lady and the gesture seemed ladylike by nature so I’m wondering if it’s some kind of old fashioned way Catholic women greet others.

No.

Maybe she has heartburn.

Seriously, it’s not a Catholic greeting. Or any greeting I’m aware of.

 

[JulianN]

New Catholic here. Someone did this walking by me at church outside. It was a young lady and the gesture seemed ladylike by nature so I’m wondering if it’s some kind of old fashioned way Catholic women greet others. I’m not sure I’ve ever been greeted that way.

It’s not a Catholic thing—but it’s a pretty common Iraqi thing. Perhaps she was of Middle Eastern descent?