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Why do we wave? The origins of hand gestures

The meaning behind good (and bad) hand signs

Why do we wave? The origins of hand gestures
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StarsInsider
23/01/2026 16:00 ‧ 1 day ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

Communication

Hand gestures are one of humanity’s oldest and most expressive forms of communication, but why do we still do them so instinctively?

Long before written language, people used their hands to convey emotions, intentions, and insults, and many of these gestures have survived for centuries. From pointing to waving, and giving the thumbs-up, each gesture carries a history.

So, click on to discover the origins of hand gestures.

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