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A mountza or moutza (Greek: μούντζα or μούτζα [ˈmud͡za]) also called faskeloma (Greek: φασκέλωμα [faˈskeloma]) is the most traditional gesture of insult among Greeks. It consists of extending and spreading all fingers of the hand and presenting the palm towards the face of the person to be insulted with a forward motion.
- Hercules Knot
- Solomon’s Knot
- Cornucopia
- Minotaur
- Caduceus
- Labrys
- Rod of Asclepius
- Sun Wheel
- Gorgon
- Labyrinth
Hercules’ Knot, known by many names including the Knot of Hercules, Love Knot, Marriage Knot and Heracles Knot, is an ancient Greek symbol that represents undying love, loyalty and commitment. It was a highly popular symbol at Greek weddings and the phrase ‘tying the knot’ is said to have originated from it. The knot is made with two entwined ropes...
A traditional decorative motif in Greek Culture, Solomon’s Knot (or Solomon’s Cross) consists of two closed loops that are doubly interlinked. When laid flat, the knot has four crossings where the loops interweave over and under each other. Although it’s called a knot, it’s actually classified as a link. There are several legends regarding the desi...
The Cornucopia, known as the ‘horn of plenty’, is a horn-shaped container overflowing with festive produce, nuts or flowers and is a popular Greek symbol of nourishment and abundance. In Greek mythology, it’s said that the Cornucopia was created when the deity Alpheus turned into a bull while fighting Hercules. Hercules broke off one of Alpheus’ ho...
In Greek Mythology, the Minotaurwas a large creature with the tail and head of a bull and the body of a man. As the unnatural offspring of the Cretan Queen Pasiphae and a majestic bull, the Minotaur didn’t have a natural source of nourishment and devoured humans to sustain itself. The Minotaur dwelt within a gigantic maze known as the Labyrinth tha...
The Caduceus is the symbol of Hermes, the messenger of theGods in Greek mythology. This symbol features a winged staff in the center with two snakes winding around it. According to the myth, the winged staff is said to be the rod of Aesculapius, an ancient demigod of medicine who healed the sick and brought the dead back to life. The staff was orig...
The Labrys, also called the pelekys or Sagaris, is an archaic symbol of a double-headed axe used by the Greek Thundergod Zeus to invoke storms. The axe was also a holy religious symbol of the Cretans. According to mythology, the Labrys was closely associated with the ancient Minoan civilization where it was representative of authority and used as a...
The Rod of Asclepiusis a popular symbol in Greek mythology that features a staff with a snaked wrapped around it. It is also known as Asclepius’ Wand, since it belonged to the Greek God Asclepius and had the miraculous ability to heal the sick. In Greek art, Asclepius is often typically seen wearing a robe and carrying a staff with a snake wrapped ...
The Sun Wheel, Sun Cross or Wheel Cross is an ancient solar symbol that consists of a circle with an equilateral cross inside it. This symbol, and its many variations, are usually found in prehistoric cultures, especially during the Neolithic to Bronze Age Periods. The sun wheel is said to represent the tropical year, the four seasons and the sun w...
According to the legend, Gorgons were ugly, terrifying monsters with large wings, sharp claws and fangs and bodies which were covered with scales, like a dragon. They had deadly smiles, staring eyes and writhing snakes instead of hair. Gorgons were vicious monsters who remained undefeated, since anyone who saw their faces were instantly turned to s...
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was a highly confusing and elaborate maze that was designed and constructed by Daedalus, a skilled craftsman who built it for King Minos to imprison the Minotaur. It was said that no one who entered the Labyrinth could get out of it alive. However, the Athenian hero Theseus was successful at entering the maze and k...
- May 5, 1996
- Moutza, the most offensive of all Greek gestures. The worst gesture that will definitely offend a person is the ‘moutza.’ Its rudeness is equivalent to showing the middle finger in the U.S., and its use will definitely be considered an insult.
- “Thank you” Beyond Words. In Greece, conveying gratitude can transcend words. A heartfelt gesture involves placing your right hand over your heart, exemplifying warmth and appreciation.
- Complicated Way to Say ‘No’ A popular Greek gesture that can be slightly discouraging is a simple “no.” To express it without words, a person raises a head and eyebrows straight up, while clicking his tongue, which resembles a tut.
- Nodding to Say ‘Yes’ Saying ‘yes’ without words in Greek is a bit easier. This understandable and very international gesture looks like a nod of the head downwards.
Mountza is also known as “faskelo“, and it can be single (with one hand) or double (with both hands). It is believed it originates from the Byzantium, when the judge used his hands to apply ash or cinder (mountzos in Byzantine Greek, mountzoura in modern Greek) on the criminals’ faces. Article by Birgit Smidt Sneftrup and Bo Transbol
A mountza or moutza (Greek: μούντζα or μούτζα [ˈmud͡za]) also called faskeloma (Greek: φασκέλωμα [faˈskeloma]) is the most traditional gesture of insult among Greeks. It consists of extending and spreading all fingers of the hand and presenting the palm towards the face of the person to be insulted with a forward motion.
A mountza or moutza (Greek: μούντζα or μούτζα [ˈmud͡za]) also called faskeloma (Greek: φασκέλωμα [faˈskeloma]) is the most traditional gesture of insult among Greeks. It consists of extending and spreading all fingers of the hand and presenting the palm towards the face of the person to be insulted with a forward motion.
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Nov 29, 2019 · 2. Mountza and other gestures. A mountza or faskeloma is the most traditional gesture of insult among the Greeks, and far more popular than the middle finger. It involves extending all fingers of ...
