This extension of the two forefingers, in company with the thumb, must have been often observed in Catholic pictures. We see it in the painting of the Virgin and Child in the Düsseldorf collection now in New-York.
The thumb and the first two fingers have always been reserved as symbols of the three persons of the Trinity.[143] When a bishop gives his blessing, he blesses with the thumb and first two fingers. Sepulchral monuments bear witness of this fact.
Both the Greek and Latin Churches agree that the thumb and first two fingers symbolize the Trinity.[144]
It is, however, insisted that the origin of thus using the thumb and two fingers is not of Christian, but of heathen derivation; for Apuleius mentions this practice as the usual one with orators soliciting the attention of an audience.[145] Here we see another pagan custom become a Christian one.
The hand, with the thumb and two fingers extended, is sometimes called the “hand of justice.”[146]
Miniature hands, taking in a part of the arm, are found in Rome, which have the thumb and two forefingers extended and the remaining fingers closed. Caylus gives a drawing of one (two inches and nine lines in length) which has a serpent stretched on the back of the hand, after having surrounded the wrist, and a lizard, likewise in relief, placed upon the arm.[147] The author we have referred to cannot account for this peculiar disposition of the thumb and fingers; but he considers that the thing itself was an offering, and refers to a hole in it by which it could be suspended. But we observe that Addison, in his Remarks on Italy,[148] says: “The custom of hanging up limbs of wax, as well as pictures, is certainly direct from the old heathens, who used, upon their recovery, to make an offering in wood, metal or clay of the part that had been afflicted with a distemper, to the deity that delivered them. I have seen, I believe, every limb of a human body figured in iron or clay which were formerly made on this occasion, among the several collections of antiquities that have been shown in Italy.” This, however, does not account for the snake and the lizard, or the peculiarity of closing two fingers and elevating the others with the thumb; and we are inclined to raise a question, whether the miniature hand and arm, figured by Caylus, was not an amulet and worn as such? The position of the fingers and thumb may here denote power, or authority and control over noxious creatures. A Roman soldier going into Egypt might carry such an one.[149] (This custom of offering a model of the restored part, was common with the ancient Egyptians.[150])
Catholics kiss the bishop’s hand, or, rather, the ring which he wears in virtue of his episcopal office.
In the earliest ages bishops sealed with rings; but from the ninth century they had distinct seals.[151]
It is said that formerly bishops wore their rings on the forefinger of the right hand.[152]