How the middle finger gesture got started?

Question

How did the middle finger gesture got started?

Answer 1

from what i have heard it all started during the medieval times.

the enemy would cut off the middle fingers of their opponents archers(they need the finger to shoot the bow and arrow)

Anyways, those that got away with their fingers intact would go by their enemies with their middle fingers up in the air, as to say ha ha you didn't get me

Answer 2

The French vs. English story is apparently an urban legend, although it's been repeated many times and might have some truth in it.

What I do know, from living in England, is that a reverse peace sign (thumb, ring and pinkie finger facing towards you, while index and pointer facing outwards) is considered the same as the middle finger over there, so that's something to watch for.  

Answer 3

The first answer is more or less correct. I believe it was the french and english that started the trend

Answer 4

the cut of middle finger of archers is wrong, that´s the index AND middle finger together ..

Answer 5

Same thing with like england vs france

My friend (English) said the you know peace sign fingers used for bow and arrow french use to cut them off so the english do the wave it in the air and yeah same with first one "p**s off sign"