Design and Tradition / A short account of the principles and historic development of architecture and the applied arts

by Amor Fenn

The Hand

The hand was a symbol of fortitude in Egypt and of fidelity in Rome—two joined hands signifying concord.

Previous to the twelfth century the supreme being was often represented by a hand extended from the clouds, sometimes open with rays extending from the fingers in token of divine Grace.

The red hand is generally connected with some traditional tale of violence, and is so expressed on the shield of Ulster. An allusion to the tradition that the adventurer O’Neile vowed to be the first to land in Ireland, and finding his boat outstripped, cut off his hand and flung it ashore.

The Hand is also an emblem of handicraft, when generally an eye is represented in the palm, as significant of eye and hand being in harmonious accord.