From the playground to war memories: a universal language
Who hasn’t utilized gestures as a child to avoid taboos? One reader recalls: “My grandmother always said, ‘If someone bothers you, show them a fig.’” “There’s no need to shout.” Advice is given with compassion, like a modest little family rite.
This little curled fist had codes at school, as well. A broken promise? Hop, a fig, and everyone realized it was a prank. A mini-language between friends, free of harm yet full of complicity.
Before leaving for the front, he conceals his wedding ring in his fist… as if to symbolically protect himself, just like in his childhood games. The fig then becomes a silent metaphor for love, attachment, and courage.
And today? A cautious nod to our heritage
The fig has almost vanished from our daily lives. Superseded by text messages, gifs, and emphatic “noes.” Yet some people still slip it into their pockets, like a discreet lucky charm.
This signal may seem minor, but it resounds deeply. It speaks to us of childhood, of transmission, of gentle resistance. It also reminds us that we can show our disagreement without aggression, with humor and subtlety.
