As you would expect, there are many interpretations, variations, meanings, and legends surrounding what is known as the Tai Chi/Kung Fu/Qigong/Wushu Salute. Because there are so many variations, we will only look at a few of the most common ones.
The Salute is essentially a form of respect. It’s used when entering or leaving your practice area, when you greet your Master, instructor, or other practitioners, or where deemed appropriate by a particular school or martial art. The origination of the Salute is also debated.
Origination:
The Salute is said to have started during the Zhou Dynasty more than 3,000 years ago. According to the earliest copy of the Chinese classic “Tao Te Ching”, it dates back to the 5th-6th Century BC. Another story regarding the origin is that the Salute was taken from the North Shaolin Temple Salute and in 1986, was standardized by the people’s Republic of China. Another states that is the Tai Chi Salute story is based on the Red Faced General (Guan Kung) who proclaimed that across the universe we are all equal brothers or sisters. In his fighting, he demonstrated that the Chinese culture includes respect, humility, and politeness.
Meaning and Representations:
The left palm represents humility, especially with the thumb tucked in. In this interpretation, the Salute is said to represent Five Continents and Four Oceans, meaning the entire world being one family or friends without judgment. When the left hand covers the right fist, it shows self-control, discipline, and humility. This is a sign of assurance that to stop or avoid a fight is the ultimate way/goal of martial arts.
The left fist (infelicitous salute) is only used during such things as funerals to show condolences, can also be used to disrespect someone or even to fight to the death. If you hold a weapon, keep your right hand open to show decency or that you are not hiding any weapons (except those you carry on your left).
Interestingly, in ancient times, women saluted with the right palm and left fist. This was known as the (Wanfu Salute). Fortunately, that has evolved in the modern world and both genders use the right fist.
Another interpretation of the Salute meaning is that the five fingers of the right fist represent five lakes because in ancient Chinese geography there were only five main lakes. The four straight fingers of the left hand represent the four seas (East, West, South, and North). Again, the gist is that “All men are brothers.”
According to the Confucian interpretation, the right hand represent the martial component of a martial artist. The left represents the person’s scholarly aspects. As we examine this interpretation, we observe that the closed fist is rigid which is an accepted symbol for violence and the inability for gentleness and learning new things. The open left hand symbolizes openness, respect, courtesy, etc. The message here is that the person is capable of martial conflict but will refrain from it as a sign of respect and courtesy.
According to two other interpretations, the open left palm is the Sun (Yang) and the closed right fist is the moon (Yin). The Salute being the balance between the two. Another is that the open left palm means strength and wisdom and the closed right fist means your art. Together being respect for and honoring others.
The common denominator in any of the interpretations of the Salute is the one overriding meaning - respect!
Most Accepted Method of Saluting:
The right hand is a clenched fist
The left hand is a palm to cover the right fist but fingers are stacked and not flexed (fist is not covered by fingers)
Just the palm of the left hand is placed over the fist
The fist and palm is about 8 to 12 inches from the chest, elbows are bent, with arms forming a circle
Holding your arms below chest level indicates that you are superior. This is considered an insult unless you are sure it’s true!
The feet are together, knees straight, erect posture, and eyes are focused on the person being saluted.
Interestingly, the left thumb is bent for humility. Chinese people point to themselves with their thumb. A straight thumb in Chinese culture means “I’m number one!”.
In modern society, the Salute is used almost exclusively in the martial arts community. The handshake has replaced the Salute in much of society.
With Covid and the pervasive pandemic issues, perhaps the handshake is not such a good idea! For health and safety, a Salute showing respect might be more appropriate today!
Subscribe to receive my weekly blogs in your email.