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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Crossing hands like St. Andrew's cross (x shaped) david Friday, May 27, 2005

Question:

Dear Mr. Slavek,

I often see it in statues or icons, the saints or angels depicted in crossed hands like St. Andrew's cross (x shaped) on the chest. That's what I meant with pretzel hand in the previous question.
Now:
1. Is it a gesture of prayer?
2. How to do it properly? I mean, should I cross my left hand over the right hand, or vice versa?
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear David,

I really don't know much of the details of this gesture, but it is traditional for prayer.  It is believed that Andrew was crucified on an "X" shaped cross.  As far as I know it has little liturgical tradition, at least in the Roman Rite.
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