The Universal Power of Hand Signs
It's no secret that hand signs have been used for centuries as a way to communicate, show respect, and ward off potential problems. In the world of anime, hand signs are just as powerful, and none more so than the iconic hand signs from Naruto. For those who haven't read or watched the series, Naruto is a popular manga and anime series by Masashi Kishimoto that follows the life of the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, as he strives to become a Hokage—the leader of his village. Throughout this journey, Naruto and his allies use a variety of hand signs in order to cast powerful jutsu (magic) spells.
These hand signs are called "hand seals," and they are the basic foundation of all jutsu. In the Naruto universe, there are 12 basic hand seals, and each one represents a different element. By combining the hand seals in different ways, a ninja can create a variety of powerful jutsu. In addition to the 12 basic hand seals, there are also several advanced hand seals that are used by more experienced ninjas. These advanced hand seals are more complex and require more skill to perform.
The 12 Basic Hand Seals
The 12 basic hand seals are as follows: Tiger, Boar, Hare, Bird, Ram, Monkey, Snake, Horse, Ram, Dog, Ox, and Tiger. Each of these hand seals is associated with a different element, and each element has a unique set of abilities and effects. For example, the Tiger hand seal is associated with lightning, and it is used to summon lightning bolts or create lightning-based jutsu. The Boar hand seal is associated with water, and it is used to manipulate the flow of water or create water-based jutsu. The other hand seals are associated with different elements, such as fire, wind, earth, and so on.
The Advanced Hand Seals
The advanced hand seals are more complex and require more skill to perform. These hand seals are not as well known as the 12 basic hand seals, but they are still used by more experienced ninjas. Examples of these advanced hand seals include the Eight Trigrams Seals, the Nine-Tailed Fox Seals, and the Five Elements Seals. Each of these hand seals has a specific purpose, and some are more powerful than others.
The Eight Trigrams Seals are used to control the natural elements, such as wind, water, fire, and earth. The Nine-Tailed Fox Seals are used to manipulate the power of the nine-tailed beasts. Finally, the Five Elements Seals are used to create powerful jutsu that combine the power of all five elements. These advanced hand seals are typically used by more experienced ninjas, and they require more skill and knowledge to perform correctly.
Using Hand Signs in the Real World
Though hand signs from Naruto may not be as powerful in the real world, they can still be used to communicate with others. Many people use hand signs to show respect, ward off potential problems, or show support for a cause. For example, a fan of Naruto may use the Tiger hand seal to show their support for the series and its characters. Similarly, someone might use the Bird hand seal to express their admiration for a certain character or team.
In addition, some ninja schools teach students how to use hand signs as a form of self-defense. This type of training is particularly useful for students who are interested in learning martial arts. By using hand signs, students can learn how to use their body to create powerful strikes, blocks, and counters. This type of training is also useful for those who are interested in learning how to use weapons such as swords or staffs.
Conclusion
The hand signs from Naruto are iconic and powerful symbols that have been used for centuries to communicate, show respect, and ward off potential problems. The 12 basic hand seals are associated with different elements and can be used to cast powerful jutsu. In addition, there are several advanced hand seals that are used by more experienced ninjas. Though the hand signs from Naruto may not be as powerful in the real world, they can still be used to communicate with others and show support for a cause.
