Question:
Dear Brother - I heard a priest talking to people about what to do at the sign of peace during Mass. He stated correctly that we are to give the sign only to those immediately around us and that we are not to move around the church to greet others. He also stated that we are not to turn around and give the "V" peace sign and show it around to those we are not able to give the sign of peace with our hands. He said, "Incidentally, that 'V 'sign is a satanic sign." Have you heard of this?
Dear Donald:
The "V" sign means different things in different cultures. The "V" sign with the palm facing the person using the sign is often considered an insult equivalent to "the finger."
The "V" sign meant Victory during WWII. In an indirect way this WWII usage sort of means peace in that victory in war means the cessation of hostilities (a/k/a peace).
It was in the 60's that the "V" sign became popularized as the peace sign.
This gesture has nothing whatsoever to do with any "satanic sign." I think your pastor is thinking about another sign seen here with Sarah Palin. This hand gesture is also not satanic. The gesture means "I love you" in American Sign Language. It is a combination of the American Sign Language letters I, L, and Y.
There is a popular gesture by rockers that looks similar to the American Sign Language gesture but the thumb is tucked with the second and third digits, leaving only the index finger and the little pinky finger extended. Some people say this is the sign of the goat, which is an animal associated with Satanism. But, most of the people making all these allegations are rather, well let us say, their elevator does not go all the way to the top as they see the devil around ever corner.
In any event the "V" sign has never been associated with the devil that I am aware.
In my opinion, however, the "V" sign should not be used during the "sign of peace" because this gesture is thoroughly a folk gesture. In the Mass only sacred gestures, music, and rubrics are to be used. Thus, I agree with your priest that it shouldn't be used but for a different reason.
Since the Church does not specifically dictate what gestures to use, it is perhaps not illicit to use the "V" sign, but I think it is not appropriate due to it being nothing but a folk gesture, and if I may say, it s gesture with no class.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, para 82 states:
As for the sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by Conferences of Bishops in accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. It is, however, appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner.
God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary
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