hand with fingers splayed: light skin tone
Unicode: 1F590 1F3FB
Description
An emoji showing an open hand with the palm facing forward and the thumb crossed over the fingers, typically with a light skin tone. It represents unity, good luck, or 'live long and prosper'.
Group:
People & Body > hand-fingers-open
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Represents feelings of hope, unity, well-wishing, or a wish for good fortune and longevity.
Backstory
The 🖖 emoji was introduced in Unicode 7.0 (2014). It is primarily associated with the 'Vulcan salute' popularized by Leonard Nimoy (Spock) in Star Trek, symbolizing 'live long and prosper'. Nimoy stated he adapted the gesture from a Jewish kohanic blessing he observed as a child.
Usage Examples
- Wishing good luck: 'Good luck with your exam! 🖖'
- Expressing optimism: 'We'll get through this, live long and prosper! 🖖'
- Referencing Star Trek: 'Just watched the new Star Trek movie! 🖖'
- Greeting someone: 'Hey there! 🖖'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Widely recognized as the 'Vulcan salute' from Star Trek, meaning 'live long and prosper'. Also used for general well-wishing or good luck.
Jewish culture:
Reminiscent of a kohanic blessing (priestly blessing), where the hand is split into two V-shapes.
General:
Can signify spiritual or mystical gestures in various contexts, though less widespread than its Star Trek association.