Sarah Mitchell
The sign of the cross is a ritual blessing performed by members of the Catholic Church. It involves making a cross motion with one's hand on one's body, typically using the right hand and two straight fingers (the middle and index fingers) or three fingers (the index, middle, and thumb). The order in which the shoulders are touched varies between left-to-right and right-to-left, with the former being associated with salvation and the latter inviting the Holy Spirit. While there are cultural variations, the practice is widely observed by Catholics during blessings and prayers.
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What You'll Learn
The direction of the cross: left to right or right to left
The direction in which one makes the sign of the cross depends on the tradition of the church they are attending. In the Western Church, the sign of the cross typically goes from left to right. This is said to be a reference to the final judgement, where those who are sent to the left are damned, and those sent to the right are saved.
However, in the Eastern Church, the direction is typically reversed, with the sign of the cross going from right to left. This is said to be the orthodox way, with the right hand moving from a cramped position on the right shoulder to an open and wide position on the left shoulder—perhaps symbolising spiritual development.
Some people also believe that the direction of the cross depends on whether one is blessing someone or blessing oneself. When blessing someone, one typically moves their hand from left to right, symbolising ascension to Heaven. When blessing oneself, the direction is right to left, inviting the Holy Spirit in.
The direction of the cross is more a matter of culture than church discipline, and there is no single "proper" way to make the sign of the cross.
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The number of fingers used: two or three
There is no "proper" hand position when making the sign of the cross, as this is more a matter of culture than church discipline. The number of fingers used can vary between two and three.
Some people use their right hand and two straight fingers (the middle and index fingers) to make the sign of the cross. They touch their forehead, the area between their chest and belly, their left shoulder, and then their right shoulder.
Others use three fingers: the index, middle, and thumb. This can be done with an open palm, or with the pinky and ring fingers touching the palm of the hand.
The use of three fingers is said to represent the Trinity. The index and middle fingers pointing upward, with the middle finger slightly bent, symbolize Christ being fully man and fully God.
The direction in which the sign of the cross is made (left to right or right to left) may depend on the tradition of the church one is attending. Some people mirror the priest or bishop, so if the priest makes the blessing sign from left to right, they will make the sign of the cross from right to left.
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The starting position: forehead, chest, or shoulder
There is no universally agreed-upon starting position for the Catholic sign of the cross. The direction of the cross is dictated by whether you are blessing yourself or blessing someone else. If you are blessing yourself, the correct motion is right to left, inviting the holy spirit in. If you are blessing someone else, the correct motion is left to right, blessing them to ascend to heaven.
The sign of the cross should always be deliberate and slow to average speed. It is important to bring your hands back to the prayer position at the end, as this shows final reverence.
The starting position for the sign of the cross is typically the forehead, followed by the chest or stomach, and then the shoulders. Some people start with three fingers together, touching the forehead, chest, left shoulder, and then right shoulder. Others start with an open palm, or with two fingers pointing upward, the middle finger slightly bent, and the remaining fingers adjoined, symbolizing the Trinity.
The hand position is not as important as the cultural and religious significance of the gesture, and there is no "proper" way to hold your hand when making the sign of the cross. In the Latin Mass, the priest's hands are flat when making the sign of the cross before communion, and the index finger and thumb are held together with the other fingers extended after communion.
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The speed of the gesture: slow, then average
When performing the Catholic sign of the cross, the speed of the gesture is important. It should be deliberate, starting slowly and then increasing to an average speed. This is to ensure that the gesture is not rushed or half-completed. The sign of the cross is a sacred and meaningful act in the Catholic faith, and rushing through it can take away from its significance.
When performing the gesture, begin by slowly bringing your hand to your forehead, with your fingers touching your head. Take a moment at this first touchpoint to centre yourself and focus on the meaning of the gesture. Then, with a smooth and deliberate motion, continue the sign of the cross by moving your hand to the area between your chest and belly. Again, take a brief pause to maintain the intention behind the gesture.
From there, smoothly and at a slightly quicker pace, bring your hand to your left shoulder, followed by your right shoulder. The entire gesture should be fluid and unbroken, with a slight increase in speed from the beginning to the end. This gradual increase in speed adds to the solemnity and reverence of the act.
The speed at which the sign of the cross is performed can vary slightly depending on personal preference and comfort. However, the general guideline is to start slow and then transition to an average speed. This speed variation allows for a thoughtful and intentional gesture while also ensuring it is not performed too slowly or too quickly.
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The ending position: prayer position
The Sign of the Cross is a Catholic tradition and a simple prayer in itself. It is used to begin and end prayers and ceremonies, as well as to ask God for a blessing.
When making the sign of the cross, one should touch their forehead and say, "In the name of the Father", then move down to the middle of their chest, saying, "and of the Son", and finally touch their left and then right shoulder, stating, "and of the Holy Spirit, Amen".
The movement from the forehead to the chest recalls the incarnation of Christ, his descent from heaven. Moving from the left to the right shoulder symbolises moving from the curse to the side of blessing, or from Hades to Paradise.
There is no specific hand position when making the sign of the cross, although most leaders encourage you to follow your congregation's tradition. Some people place their left hand on their breast during the sign, and touch the right hand a little higher than it. Some Catholics hold three fingers together to symbolise the Trinity, and the two other fingers together to represent Christ's two natures, that he is fully man and fully divine.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no universally accepted "proper" hand position when making the sign of a Catholic cross. It is more a matter of culture than church discipline.
The direction of the movement depends on the tradition of the church you are attending. When blessing someone, face your hand outward to some degree and go from left to right. If you are blessing yourself after prayer, go from right to left.
The movement from right to left can symbolize spiritual development, with the right fingers moving from a cramped position on the right shoulder to an open and wide position on the left shoulder.
The movement during a Roman Catholic blessing is often a mirror of the priest's blessing gesture. Instead of intuitively mirroring the sign that is written over us, we got used to imitating the blessing gesture on our own bodies.
The sign of the cross should always be deliberate and slow to average speed.
