Question: Would you care to talk more about the Sun and Moon salute. I find this very interesting, and some people have never heard of it. Thanks...Jason
Answer:
Meaning Of The Sun And Moon Salute
The salute we use today is not the salute that was used in ancient times. The one we use today came from the Ching Dynasty, and was invented by the revolutionaries against this Dynasty. However, before this time, people still used sign language to speak to each other, and the kung fu salute was a greeting and a way to pay, or show respect to one another. The right closed fist stood for the individual, while the left open hand stood for peace, freedom, the nations of the four seas, and for China. This could be interpreted as; I and China salute you; or we are all one, as well as, other meanings that were brought about by slight changes of the hands.
Sun And Moon (Ming)
Then, during the Ching Dynasty, these meanings changed. The right hand was used represents the sun (yang) and the left hand the moon (yin). When the palm and fist were put together,
it meant (in sign language "Ming", (the Dynasty prior to the Manchu's (Ching)).
The entire salute of this version, including the hand gestures, the rolling of the fist to ones side and etc all meant (basically); overthrow the Ching, restore the Ming. Also when the fist and palm is put together and the salute is brought up to chin level, the hands will form the character "Ming" (to the onlooker) which again, identifies the saluting party to each other.
Lastly, we also use a twin backhand motion known as "sun and moon crosses the sky" .This is an opening move (introduction) prior to the actually "sun and moon" salute. This salute is also used to identify oneself as being loyal to the Ming Dynasty, and is a stronger way of saying "restore the Ming" because it is being used twice. This technique is done by crossing both wrist in front of the chest or throat with the palms facing to each side. The arms and hand then arc upward to an overhead position, separate out to the sides and then down ending with the arms extend at shoulder level with fingers point diagonally downward. This motion represents the sun and moon
moving across the heavens, symbolizing the Ming.
Take care Jason, Master Jim.