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I've noticed that in the opening sequence, and the big climactic moment at the
very end of the season, Lucy has her hands on the figure's back with the
ring/middle fingers together and the other two fingers separated in a 'w' sort
of shape.

Is this a symbol of love, a reference to Gustav Klimt (like the paintings) or
something else?

I've also noticed it on the cover of the 3rd Vampire Bund Omnibus.

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ZaKCf.jpg)


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symbolism elfen-lied
What's the significance of the 'w' finger position in Elfen Lied?


It's likely to be a homage to the work of [El
Greco](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Greco), who used this hand symbol in
his [various works](http://www.darkfiber.com/pz/chapter1.html).

Like this one titled _The Gentleman with His Hand at His Breast_

![The Gentleman with His Hand at His
Breast](https://i.stack.imgur.com/R4Gmhm.jpg)

or _Christ Carrying the Cross_

![Christ Carrying the Cross](https://i.stack.imgur.com/CCeNIm.jpg)

The meaning of this gesture is subject to much debate...

Some hypothesis [indicate](http://www.darkfiber.com/pz/chapter1.html) that:

>   1. The hand gesture is a secret sign indicating that the gentleman is a
> Marrano -- a crypto-Jew who accepted Christian baptism in order to remain in
> Spain after the Catholic Kings' order of 1492 that all Jews leave Spain;
>
>   2. The gesture indicates a Loyolan/Jesuit spirituality that calls for the
> sinner to place his/her hand on their chest after committing a sin as a sign
> of moral pain. Both of these theories have been discussed at length in
> academic circles without, however, formal acceptance of either, though at
> least one academic allows that the hand "assumes the function of an
> important communication, a personal avowal."
>
>


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The hand gesture Lucy makes in official art and during the opening is
prevalent in Loyolan/Jesuit spirituality, wherein those who commit sins are to
place their hands on their chest with the middle and ring fingers joined to
show moral pain and/or remorse for their actions.


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It has been suggested the M symbol of the fingers refers to Mary Magdalene and
the theory that they had a child. Knights Templar order and all that. Famous
portrait (posthumous) of Christopher Columbus shows his fingers in this
arrangement, various statues and paintings also show hands arranged this way.
It's rather curious as it's not a natural way to hold your fingers. Some
people say the Statue of Liberty, the hand holding the tablet also shows this
arrangement. The Freemasons were involved in many of these things and it's
said they are what remains of the Templars.


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