Hand over the heart and U.S. National Anthem?

Question

a couple questions about the U.S. National Anthem:

watching the Olympics and notice that American Athletes seem to be the only athletes to do this motion (hand over heart during the anthem). Is this true? do only Americans do this motion?

lastly, why do Americans do this motion?

Answer 1

We love our countryand it shows respect

Answer 2

Yes, it's a distinctly American custom.  Many nations have some sort of custom for saluting their flag or other national emblem; but it is usually observed only by members of the military or in formal state ceremonies.

Placing a hand over the heart indicates sincere or 'heartfelt' loyalty.  Be grateful; in the old days they did the straight-arm salute, before it became unfashionable.

Answer 3

It's the herd instinct.

The US is a nation of immigrants and they want an external expression of loyalty like the n**i salute.

I've never noticed any other nation doing this

Answer 4

I'm American, and I don't know why people put their hand on their heart.  I think it's pretty dumb.  But not all people do it...in school we only did that when we pledged the flag.

Answer 5

im from another country and we do the same motion during our national anthem. i guess it really depends on the person cuz some americans in some events dont do it. but the motion is like a sign of respect and pride...

Answer 6

it is not necessary to stand with your hand over your heart. Just stand up with your hands by your side.

People in the military salute.

The custom of civilians putting their hand over the heart while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance started in the school system to mark Columbus Day celebrations in the 1890's.  Then after the First World War One, it began to be observed at all public gatherings.

In the UK, people are supposed to stand in movie theaters when "God Save the Queen" is played.

In many countries, there isn't even a National Anthem, or, if there is one, it's something that was written in imitation of the French or German Anthems during a fit of nationalism. Few people know it, and there is no rule about showing respect.  The lyrics (usually interminable and written by the cousin of some legislator) are generally fiery and involve shedding blood and tearing out the heart of the foe and the like -- the more serene and peaceful the country, the bloodier the Natinal Anthem.

Answer 7

This gesture involves placing one's right hand, palm outstretched and facing in, over one's heart. Male hat or cap wearers typically remove their hats and hold them in this hand. In some cultures, it is used as a gesture of respect towards flags or during singing of a national anthem. In the United States, it is also performed as a part of the rituals of the Pledge of Allegiance. It can also be used to indicate sincerity, shock, or hurt; in which case, a balled hand has the same meaning.

Good ol' Wikipedia!

Have a polite day.

Answer 8

u probably just watched when us got a gold so they were playing their anthem. at the olympics, if it not ur anthem u dont put ur hand over ur heart. cuzi am korean and i think we do it too. i think loll

Answer 9

The practice of placing your right hand over your heart actually has it's origin in England as saluting with your right hand, which was usually the hand that knights held weapons in (since the majority of people are right handed, the old "idea" that left handed people are somehow wicked/evil/bad grew out of this too).  The right hand was extended up to show that you are not holding any weapons and trying to kill someone.  This also evolved into handshaking with right hands.