The Symbolic Power and Meaning of the "Call to Arms" Gesture

The History and Meaning of the "Call to Arms" Gesture

The dramatic "call to arms" gesture, with arms waving and flailing through the air, has become an iconic movement that conveys passion, enthusiasm, and intensity. This gesture has a long history and carries a symbolic meaning that connects to rallying support or action from others.

Originating as a Literal Call to Take Up Arms

In medieval times, a "call to arms" referred to rallying troops to prepare for battle. Commanders would physically wave their own arms to signal soldiers to take up arms and assemble. This urgent gesturing was a visible cue that lent the phrase "call to arms" its name.

Over centuries, the meaning evolved into a more general sense of summoning support around a cause or issue that a person believes warrants strong backing or action from others.

A Signal of Emotional Investment and Excitement

Today, we most often see the call to arms gesture used in reaction to events that inspire passion, controversy, enthusiasm, or intensity. This is why it frequently occurs in settings like political speeches, protests, or public debates around heated issues.

The gesturing itself helps the person convey the strength of their investment and excitement in that moment as they try to evoke similar reactions in others. The sweeping arm movements lend both visual drama and symbolic meaning of rallying others to feel and think the same way.

Famous Call to Arms Gestures in Politics and Pop Culture

Certain public figures have turned the call to arms gesture into signature moves that encapsulate their styles and tendencies to stir passions. Here are some famous examples and the meanings behind them.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Progressive icon Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez frequently uses variations of the call to arms at rallies and speeches. Both arms typically wave above her head, hands open with palms facing out or toward each other. This projects enthusiastic rallying of her base against status quo policies and around issues like climate change or economic justice.

VP Kamala Harris

A laugh along with waving arm gestures has become a trademark Kamala Harris reaction of delight. Clips capturing these moments when reacting to speeches or debate exchanges she approves of tend to go viral online. Though often light-hearted, they still summon a sense of calling others to share in joy and camaraderie around progressive ideas or political opponents being challenged.

Diego Maradona's "Holy Hand of God"

Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona famously scored an illegal goal with his hand against England in the 1986 World Cup. But what etched the moment into history was Maradona turning in celebration as his whole body called to arms behind the ruse, waving with passionate intensity and signaling his countrymen to join him in the fervor and pride of that conquest.

Why We Wave Our Arms When Words Fail Us

What explains the enduring power and popularity of the call to arms gesture? There seems to be a natural human instinct to wave our arms wildly to call others to join us when mere words are not enough.

Conveying Raw Enthusiasm

Words can fall short of fully capturing the peak passion or exhilaration of an inspiring moment. Flailing arms and hands help pick up the slack to completely convey the depths of our enthusiasm or joy at events we want to share.

A Visual Beacon

Like a waving flag, sweeping arm gestures draw eyes and act as visible beacons to draw focus, attention, and interest to the person and their emotions in the moment. This rallies attention and commands a sense of shared experience and common cause.

Contagious Energy

Vigorous self-expression is often contagious due to mirror neurons that make us mimic others' behaviors. When we see someone flail arms with delight, we instinctively feel inclined to spread that mood. This builds group cohesion and solidarity.

So whether seriously summoning allies to action or joyously celebrating victories, call to arms gestures will continue to wave through history as universal human expressions that words alone cannot fully capture.

FAQs

What is the history of using "call to arms" gestures?

The phrase originated in medieval warfare, when commanders would physically wave arms to direct troops to take up weapons and assemble for battle. Over time, it evolved into a gesture signaling urgency around a cause needing support.

Why do politicians use call to arms gestures?

Politicians like AOC and Kamala Harris use these gestures to visually rally enthusiasm, inspiration and solidarity for their positions from voters and supporters.

How did the gesture become iconic in sports celebrations?

Diego Maradona's illegally-scored "Hand of God" goal and subsequent call to arms celebration captured him summoning Argentine pride. Other sports figures have followed with similar gestures.

What makes these gestures so expressive?

Arm-flailing helps convey raw enthusiasm that words cannot capture fully. The visual beacon also draws attention and interest, rallying audiences to feel a shared moment.