Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake
Scouts must know how to properly perform the Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake, and know the significance of these actions. These are used by scouts across the world.
Scout Sign
The Scout Sign is used as a sign of respect between scouts. The Scout Sign is made by standing in the Alert Position, and then raising the right hand with the palm facing out, the index, middle, and ring fingers straight up, and the thumb holding down the little finger.
The three straight fingers of the Scout Sign represent the three aspects of the Scout Promise:
- Duty to God and country
- To help other people
- To keep the Scout Law
When the Scout Sign is raised (usually by a senior scout or leader), all scouts are also to make the Scout Sign to show respect. It is also raised when reciting the Scout Promise.
Scout Salute
The Scout Salute is used as a formal greeting between scouts or used to show respect at official ceremonies such as flag raising. It is performed by making the Scout Sign and raising it so that the fingertips touch the brow of the head.
Scout Handshake
Scouts all over the world greet each other with a left-handed handshake. This is derived from the custom of the Ashanti people (from the Ashanti region in Ghana), who shake hands with their left as a sign of trust, as their warriors must drop their shields and protection to do so. The Ashanti people taught this to Lord Baden-Powell, who then introduced it to Scouting. Another reason why is because the left hand is closer to the heart.
Discussion Questions
Here are some questions that can help you understand this topic better:
- What is the meaning of the Scout Sign?
- When is the Scout Salute used?
- Why do scouts greet each other with a left-handed handshake?
