Greetings on the road

Sir, – As we enter the summer season, tourists from all over the globe will descend on Ireland. It might be useful to understand the ubiquitous gesture that most will encounter while driving on the rural roads of this beautiful country, the one-finger greeting. In many countries, a single, raised finger is a sign of anger or insult. Of course, I’m referring to the middle finger. But here in Ireland, one will encounter the index finger of the left hand resting on the driver’s steering wheel, raised in greeting as one passes a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. It most likely will be interpreted as a cute, sentimental, “Oh, the Irish are so welcoming” gesture, but it is so much more. Perception is a creative act. “I see you”, “You see me”.

In the moment of acknowledgement, there is reinforcement of each other’s belonging to a culture with a long history of interdependence, co-operation, generosity, and friendliness, while having had to defend, courageously, this small island from invasions by Vikings, Spanish, English, and many others, through millennia.

I feel enriched and grateful for every one-finger greeting I’m given as I drive the Irish roads.

I hope and pray that the younger generation is able to understand, embrace and continue this small gesture that contributes to making this lovely people who we are. – Yours, etc,