Three-finger salute (Serbian)

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This article is about Serbs. For other meanings, see three-finger salute.

The three-finger salute (Serbian Cyrillic: три пpcтa; Latin: Tri Prsta) is a Serbian salute with the thumb, index, and middle fingers open.

The origin of the salute is commonly explained based on the Orthodox way of crossing, with the three fingers instead of entire hand (which is associated with the Christian Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) <ref>Hajdinjak, Marko. (2000) Yugoslavia - Dismantled and Plundered.</ref> <ref>1 THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL CASE NO. IT-94-1-T</ref>.

[edit] Connotations

It is not uncommon that showing three fingers in public is seen as nationalist provocation <ref>(Serbian) "Dalmacija našeg detinjstva", Jasmina Lukač, Danas, July 16 2003</ref>, or that the salute is simply attributed to nationalists <ref>(Croatian)"Cjenik raspada Jugoslavije", Marinko Čulić, Feral Tribune, 25 May 2006</ref>.

Within Serbia itself, it is mostly used by the youth; it can be most often seen by fans and even players themselves when celebrating sport victories. It is considered nationalistic and not always appropriate for public display. Members of other ethnic groups, especially Bosniaks and Croats, will often find it provocative. <ref>(Croatian) "Utakmica sretno završila", Slobodna Dalmacija, 14 March 2005</ref><ref>"Serb arrested at Croatian gay parade", B92 News, June 26 2006.</ref><ref>"Posljednja granica Sarajeva", IWPR, Antonio Prlenda</ref>