The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GESTURE

IN PARTING, WHEN A JAPANESE WAVES GOODBYE, HE USUALLY HOLDS THE ARM
ALOFT, WAVING THE HAND UP AND DOWN WITH THE PALM DOWNWARD. THIS SAME
MOTION OF THE HAND AND FINGERS WITH THE ARM OUTSTRETCHED HORIZONTALLY
USUALLY SIGNIFIES, "COME HERE". (IN THE WEST ONE BECKONS WITH ONE
FINGER, THE INDEX FINGER, WITH THE PALMS UPWARD).

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LIVES IN TOKYO, JAPAN.

Where learned: LETTER ; JAPAN

Date learned: 07-20-1964