ASL Dictionary of Religious Signs

Eucharist

Sign:

"Eucharist"

Eucharist

Synonyms:

Holy Communion, Lord's Supper

Hand Shape:

"W" and then bent "B".

Motion:

Begin by stroking index finger of right "W" hand against your right cheek in a circular motion (sign for 'wine'). Next hold left open "B" hand at or above waist level in front of your body, palm towards body with thumb side up. Move fingers of right bent "B" hand up and down across left hand two or three times, starting near the thumb of the left hand and finishing near the fingertips (sign for 'bread').

Note(s):

(Grammatical Note) This is a compound sign that combines the signs for 'wine' and 'bread'. Often different denominations or areas will use an adapted sign that signifies the way they take communion.

Variations:

variation 1

With thumb and index finger of right "F" hand pointing towards your mouth, move your hand up and down and then across (left to right) mouth in a cross motion. The motion is based on the shape of the Catholic Host and is often translated "Eucharist" or "Host" (See Variation 1).