“Shakes” and “Passes”
In this latter case a very good “shake” can be obtained by pressing the thumb firmly against the back of the hand, as shown in [Fig. 1]. This will arouse no suspicion in anybody ignorant of the meaning, though, if reciprocated, it forms an excellent sign of recognition.
Fig. 1.—A handshake sign.
Fig. 2.—An eyebrow sign.
The variety of passes that can be executed with different meanings is astonishing. Yet it should be remembered that, although outsiders may not know what you are saying, it will always be apparent that “something is up,” and a very undesirable curiosity will be awakened.
On the other hand, there are many little actions, unnoticeable in themselves, which may have a great meaning to those “in the know.”
A simple stroking of the eyebrows ([Fig. 2]) is to all appearances a harmless movement, but in the secret signs of a well-known society it meant that treachery was in the air, and every person in the room would have to be watched.
In a certain Italian Society, clasping the forehead with the left hand as though in extreme weariness ([Fig. 3]) implied: “Be cautious, you are being watched.” A similar action with the right hand meant: “We are known, make your escape as best you can; leave me alone.”
In the same society, when a member found himself in a mixed assembly, and desired to ascertain who amongst the guests belonged to his fraternity, he would stroke his left cheek thoughtfully with extended first and second fingers, as in [Fig. 4].
Fig. 3.—The sign of an Italian secret society.
Fig. 4.—The “cheek” sign of an Italian secret society.
The brethren of a very respectable society, which still flourishes, are generally credited with knowing each other by a peculiar flourish of the hand when removing the hat, in a somewhat similar manner to that shown in [Fig. 5]. Others make the ceremony of blowing the nose of like importance.
Fig. 5.—The hat flourish.
There used to be a famous Italian Secret Society divided into several classes or degrees, each of which had its own especial sign. For the first three degrees these signs were as follows:—
1st. The right hand is raised to the shoulder, and then passed slowly down across the body to the left knee.
2nd. The right hand is placed upon the left shoulder, then drawn slowly down the left arm until it reaches the hand. Thus clasped they are raised to the breast.
3rd. The right hand is clasped, the thumb and little finger extended. The former is placed against the lips, whilst the latter touches the breast.
Those who desire to invent secret signs should avoid all those dependent upon an unnecessary action, like the hat-flourish. It is more satisfactory to apply the secret to some everyday action which, from its very unobtrusiveness, will attract the attention of no stranger.
Members of certain religious secret societies to this day distinguish one another by a peculiar style of cross, worn as a pendant from the watch-chain, whilst a pass-word is current amongst them to enable them to test those whom they meet wearing the symbol.
The use of flowers in the button-hole is a very common method of attracting recognition, whilst a development of the same idea is seen in the wearing of different colored neckties or ribbons, which in a crowd will pass unnoticed save by those whose attention is desired. Yet to both of these systems a certain danger is attached, for there is always the chance of some unsuspecting person quite inadvertently wearing the same flowers or colors.
Every one has heard of the language of flowers, but it is surprising to what an extent this can be carried by enterprising young ladies with a good collection in the garden or green house.
It has been frequently proved that some safeguard is a necessary addition to the sign, and this safeguard usually takes the form of a pass-word. Repeated after the sign has been given, this word serves to show that the secret sign was neither given by accident nor picked up through curiosity.