Joshua Bennett
Some Catholics kiss their thumb after making the sign of the cross. This practice is more common in certain countries, such as Mexico, the Philippines, and some Southern European and Spanish colony countries. While the exact origins of this tradition are unclear, it is believed that kissing the thumb, which forms a small cross with the forefinger, is a sign of devotion to Christ and acceptance of one's life burdens. This gesture is often associated with Good Friday and the veneration of the crucifix.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Catholics kiss their thumb as a sign of devotion to the five wounds Christ suffered. |
| It is also a sign of reverence to the Cross of Christ and an acceptance of one's own life's burdens. | |
| It is a symbol of respect and love. | |
| Who does it? | Latinos in parishes |
| Mexicans | |
| Hispanic people | |
| People in the Philippines | |
| Southern Europeans | |
| Spanish colonies |
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What You'll Learn
The thumb and forefinger form a cross
Catholics kiss their thumbs after making the sign of the cross with their forefinger and thumb at right angles, forming a cross. This practice is common among Latinos and Mexicans, and some attribute it to their culture and family traditions rather than religious teachings.
The act of kissing the cross formed by their thumb and forefinger is an ancient gesture of devotion and reverence to the Cross of Christ. It symbolises a person's humble acceptance of their own life's burdens and a willingness to follow in Jesus's footsteps.
During the 19th century and up until the 1930s, Catholicism faced persecution in Mexico, resulting in a period where practising Catholics were sentenced to death. In such dangerous times, the faithful resorted to making the Sign of the Cross and kissing their thumbs as an act of veneration to the invisible crucifix, which they had to keep hidden.
The thumb-kissing gesture is also associated with kissing the cross on rosaries before praying, bringing a sense of holiness and devotion into daily life. This practice is not limited to Mexicans, as some Catholics from the Philippines and Southern Europe, including Spanish colonies, also engage in this tradition.
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An ancient gesture of devotion
The act of kissing one's thumb after making the sign of the cross is an ancient gesture of devotion practised by Catholics, particularly those of Hispanic or Latino heritage. This custom is not limited to a specific geographical region, as it has been observed in various places, including Mexico, the Philippines, and among Mexican-American Catholics.
The origin of this practice can be traced back to a time when Catholicism faced persecution in Mexico during the 19th century and early 20th century due to anti-clerical sentiments. To preserve their faith discreetly, Catholics would make the Sign of the Cross and kiss their thumb, forming a miniature cross with their forefinger and thumb. This gesture symbolised their veneration of the actual crucifix, which they had to keep hidden during those challenging times.
By kissing their thumb, Catholics are not merely kissing their finger but are, in fact, kissing the Cross they have formed. This act is a sign of reverence and devotion to the Cross of Christ. It signifies a humble acceptance of one's own cross, emulating the sacrifice made by Jesus. Additionally, it can be seen as a pledge to dedicate one's thoughts, words, and deeds to God, sealing the promise with a kiss.
The practice of kissing the Cross is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and is often associated with kissing the Cross on Rosaries before praying. It is a way to bring the devotion of Holy Thursday, when the feet of the Cross are kissed, into everyday life. This simple yet powerful gesture serves as a reminder for Catholics to keep Jesus in their minds, on their lips, and in their hearts at all times.
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Imitates Jesus and his five wounds
Catholics kiss their thumbs after making the sign of the cross with their forefinger and thumb. This custom seems to have its origins in the Cristero Wars of the late 19th century, when Catholicism went underground in Mexico due to anti-clericalism. To preserve their faith, Catholics would make the sign of the cross and kiss their index finger as if venerating the actual crucifix, which was kept hidden.
The act of kissing the thumb is an ancient gesture of devotion, imitating Jesus and his five wounds. The five wounds refer to the hands, feet, and spear wound in Christ's side. By kissing the cross formed by their thumb and forefinger, Catholics show their devotion to Christ and accept their life's burdens. This practice is similar to kissing the cross on rosaries before praying, demonstrating their dedication to God and their faith.
Some Catholics, especially in Mexico and among Mexican-American Catholics, view this practice as a way to seal their pledge to God. They make smaller crosses over their forehead, lips, and heart before ending with a larger normal cross, symbolizing their commitment to keeping "Jesus in the mind, on the lips, and in the heart." This gesture is often accompanied by the words, "By the sign of the Holy Cross, deliver us, Lord, from our enemies."
The tradition of kissing the thumb after making the sign of the cross is also observed in other regions, including the Philippines, Southern Europe, and Spanish colonies. While the exact origins of this practice may vary, it is generally seen as a sign of reverence and devotion to the Cross of Christ.
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Symbolises acceptance of life's burdens
Catholics have a rich history of symbolic gestures and rituals, and one such practice is kissing the thumb during prayer or certain liturgical moments. This act symbolizes a profound acceptance of life's burdens and a willingness to embrace them alongside Christ. The thumb, in this context, represents the strength and power inherent in each person, and kissing it is an acknowledgment of the responsibility to shoulder one's own trials and those of others. This gesture is often accompanied by the signing of the cross, further emphasizing the devotion and faith underpinning this tradition.
This tradition is believed to have originated from the concept of taking up one's cross daily, as Jesus taught in the Gospel of Luke. Kissing the thumb is a physical manifestation of accepting and embracing the challenges and responsibilities that life presents. It is a reminder that just as Christ bore the weight of the world's sins, Catholics are called to share in his burden and find strength in doing so. This symbolic act unites the believer with Christ's sacrifice and fosters a sense of solidarity with the suffering.
The act of kissing the thumb is an intimate and personal gesture. By kissing the thumb, Catholics are, in a way, blessing themselves and acknowledging their own agency in carrying life's burdens. It is a reminder that they have the strength and ability to navigate through trials and that they are not alone in their struggles. This tradition encourages a mindset of resilience and perseverance, drawing upon the grace and fortitude that Catholics believe comes from their faith.
Additionally, this ritual can be seen as a form of prayer or meditation, providing a moment of focus and contemplation. Kissing the thumb can serve as a physical reminder to offer up one's troubles and those of others, uniting them with the sacrifice of Christ. It is a way to bring awareness to the present moment, grounding oneself in faith and finding purpose in the challenges faced. This simple yet powerful gesture transforms the believer's perspective on adversity.
For Catholics, this practice is also a sign of humility, recognizing that they are not alone in their struggles and that their burdens are shared with a community of believers. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the support that can be found within the faith community. Through this ritual, Catholics find solace in their shared experience of carrying life's burdens and the understanding that they are not alone in their journey.
Lastly, kissing the thumb in this context can be seen as an act of devotion and surrender. It represents a willingness to embrace life's challenges with an open heart and a mindset of service. Catholics believe that by accepting these burdens, they are following in the footsteps of Christ, who endured suffering out of love and obedience to the will of God. This tradition, therefore, becomes a source of strength and purpose, guiding Catholics through life's trials with faith and resilience.
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A sign of respect and love
Kissing the thumb after making the sign of the cross is a way for Catholics to show respect and love for Jesus and renew their faith in God. This gesture, popular among Latinos and Hispanics, involves forming a cross with the thumb and forefinger and kissing it, symbolizing kissing the Cross of Christ.
This practice is an ancient custom, demonstrating an individual's devotion to Christ and their acceptance of life's burdens, just as Jesus bore his cross. By kissing the thumb, Catholics are essentially pledging their thoughts, words, and deeds to God, sealing their pledge with a kiss.
During the 19th century and up to the 1930s, Catholicism faced severe persecution in Mexico, leading to the faith going underground. In such dangerous times, the faithful had to keep their practices hidden, including venerating the crucifix secretly by kissing their index finger or thumb after making the sign of the cross.
Today, this tradition continues, especially among Mexicans and Hispanic Catholics, as a way to honor the Holy Trinity and show their reverence for the Cross of Christ. It is a physical expression of their faith, bringing to mind that Jesus gave His life for them, and a reminder to keep Jesus in their minds, on their lips, and in their hearts.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics kiss their thumb as a sign of reverence to the Cross of Christ. They form a cross with their thumb and forefinger, which they kiss instead of kissing an actual crucifix.
Kissing the thumb is an ancient gesture of devotion to Christ. It symbolises a person's acceptance of their life's burdens, imitating Jesus's acceptance of his own cross.
The practice of kissing the thumb originated in Southern Europe and is prevalent in Spanish colonies. It is also commonly observed in Mexico, where Catholicism faced persecution in the 19th and 20th centuries.
