Making the Sign of the Cross

[Tannhauser_1509]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

 

[Don_Ruggero]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

It is lovely that you know the symbolism. There are many who do not, sadly.

You have the liberty to use either grouping of your fingers, as you prefer.

 

[pianistclare]

Hispanics still use the Trinity sign.
And they sign a number of times: forehead, lips, heart, and one more overall for good measure.

 

[Duane1966]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

My kids and I, were taught three finger sign of the cross. I learned it from my parents, and at the Catholic school I attended in the 70’s, was taught the same. I taught my kids, but they were also taught three finger sign of the cross at their Catholic school here in Michigan, within the past ten years, by their parish priest.

 

[johnnyc176]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

Either way it is an excellent tool for evangelization for those who are not shy about making the Sign of the Cross in public.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

All you guys have said is very helpful. Thanks so much, and God be with you.

 

[otjm]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

I would suspect that the vast majority of people who might see you make the sign of the cross would not know the difference, and most likely couldn’t tell one from another.

 

[Padres1969]

I would suspect that the vast majority of people who might see you make the sign of the cross would not know the difference, and most likely couldn’t tell one from another.

I can honestly say that I’d never heard of the Trinity variation used by the Eastern Churches and the Western Church in the past beyond seeing it in Eastern Iconography or as part of a documentary about something in church history (but it was never emphasized as being something that was changed). And I’ve had A LOT of religious education in my life. It’s just seems to be one of those things that does not comes up.

To expand on the OP’s question regard to the 3 finger Trinity formula, if you’re attending a Trindentine Mass or a Byzantine Mass does it matter which formula you use or would it be more appropriate to use the older form?

 

[CuriousMike]

The method I learned Googling a “How to” for my first visit to the Catholic Church was the Eastern method - Three fingers for the Holy Trinity, two for the two natures of God and the palm symbolising One God (Forever and ever).

We have a number of Filipinos in my Parish, and they seem to Bless themselves normally, but then make another gesture that seems like a miniature Cross on their chest?
Perhaps someone can fill me in?

 

[The_Apostolate]

When I make the sign off the Cross ,I use my hold hand being with the for head than down ,than too the left and finally too the right ,that,s the way I was taught bye Catholic nun,s.

 

[Vico]

The original Christians used to make the sign with one finger on the forehead. Later the sign of the cross, as a guard against Monophysitism, used two fingers together. By the ninth century, east and west, were using three fingers the way that St. Pope Leo IV (+ 885 A.D.) promulgated, but not all the faithful.

 

[Micosil]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

I frequently see people here in Spain make the Sign of the Cross with thumb between index and middle finger, as you said, but of course, from right to left – of course, the full open hand is also common.

The Trinity + Christ’s two natures is very interesting; it has in a simple gesture of the hand both the “central mystery of Christian faith and life” (the Most Holy Trinity) and a nice bit of Christology, the union of Christ’s divine nature and his human nature in the Hypostatic union.

Bottom line, feel free to use whichever you feel most comfortable with.

The original Christians used to make the sign with one finger on the forehead. Later the sign of the cross, as a guard against Monophysitism, used two fingers together. By the ninth century, east and west, were using three fingers the way that St. Pope Leo IV (+ 885 A.D.) promulgated, but not all the faithful.

This ancient custom is still seen today, for example, right before the Gospel is read.

 

[Gertabelle]

This is a fascinating conversation!

I have never given this a moment’s thought - just put a finger in the holy water and make the sign of the cross

I teach first grade religious ed this year, and the only thing we told our wee ones was to not put their whole hand in the water - they were “dunking.”

When I was in the monastery (Benedictine), the nuns would dip a finger or two in the holy water and then either offer their hand to the sister behind them (essentially sharing the holy water) or they’d shake the excess water off their fingers “for the holy souls in purgatory.”

Lovely little traditions that I’ve never seen anywhere but there.

Nowadays, I make the sign of the cross and then trace a cross on my forehead - a personal devotion to ask God to keep my thoughts His thoughts.

 

[Isca]

Interesting discussion. I had no idea of the symbolism involved!

 

[clem456]

The sign of the cross is also a proclamation and reminder of the awe-filled call we accept as Christians, to conform our lives to our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Yes Lord, I will do as you do”.
At our parish meetings now there are some who will use it while leading a prayer, and some who do not.
I think it is good, for me anyway, to “wear the sign”.

 

[thistle]

The sign of the cross has undergone a divergent evolution overtime, up till today where the customary way of crossing in the Byzantine Rite is to use the thumb held extended between the index and middle fingers to represent the Trinity, with the ring finger and pinkie held in the palm to signify Christ’s two natures, while moving the hand from right to left. This was the customary fashion in the Western Rite until recently, whereas now all five fingers are extended to signify the five wounds of Christ, and the hand moves from left to right. My question is, if I’m a Roman Rite Catholic, should I keep with the custom of five fingers out of respect, or is it okay to use the three-finger method if I prefer the symbol of the Trinity over the symbol of the wounds of Christ (not to discount the loveliness of the five-finger sign)?

There is no “required” way. “required” would imply mandatory.