So he gave boss the finger...
December 25th 2008 15:26
"Yubikiri
The pinky finger holds many cultural meanings globally. In Japan, its cultural meanings have a history dating back to medieval times. A prime example is the "yubikiri" (meaning: "pinky promise") where two people link their pinkies as a sign of making a bonding agreement. Of course, this isn't too unusual since this is also seen amongst Western culture.
However, the literal translation for "yubikiri" is "finger cutting" - which hints at the more gruesome customs of pinky promises in Japan.
Yubitsume: Finger Shortening
Yakuza - the Japanese equivalent of mafias - are the main practitioners of yubitsume even in the 21st Century. Typically, this action occurs when a group member makes an offense or a mistake and so they are to cut off a section of their left pinky as compensation.
Normally the procedure requires a cloth being placed on a surface and the victim rests their left hand flat on it. Then with a tanto (dagger) or very sharp blade, they'll cut just above the first knuckle. Then the severed piece of finger will be wrapped up in the cloth and delivered to the kumichou ("godfather" or group leader).
Should the person offend or make a mistake again, they'll be forced to remove another section. In worst scenarios, they'll begin on their right pinky. Otherwise, the person in charge of them will also be held responsible for their behaviour and be forced to also commit yubitsume.
In medieval times, losing your pink was a very high cost. For people who relied on their swordsmanship capabilities, losing a pink would mean losing your ability to grip onto your sword properly. Thus, the person would lose a great amount of their strength. This would also accentuate the person's reliance on the protection of their superior.
Women were no exception to this practise either - especially during medieval times. There have been records where women would cut off their pinky and give it to their loved one or someone important as a serious pact.
Sign Language for Love
The other pertinent meaning for the pinky is it's relations with love and romance. When you go to Japan, you may notice that some hold up their pinky finger while talking about a certain person. This gesture indicates the person's lover, boyfriend/girlfriend, or love interest. The reason why the pinky finger gesture has obtained this meaning links in to the popular myth of the Red Thread of Fate.
In this legend, it is believed that two people who are fated to become lovers are joined by a red string at their pinky fingers. It is said that this string may stretch or tangle, but it would never break. This legend is quite popular amongst East Asian cultures.
Sources:
Yubitsume - Wiki
Differences in meaning of finger chopping in Japan and Korea
Red String of Fate
Little Finger
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