“-flashed Langdon the thumbs-up sign. Langdon smiled weakly and returned the gesture, wondering if she knew it was the ancient phallic symbol for masculine virility.” AncientGesturesMasculineSmilesSignsWonderingThumbs UpGestureVirilityHand Signs Book:Angels & Demons Source: Angels & Demons
“”What was the symbol, now? Something like this?” She fanned her fingers and then placed both fists together in an exact imitation of what Mulan had seen. “Yes, that’s it!” Grandmother fanned out her fingers. “A fan, covering the face. A coy maiden, if you will, with secrets. And this”—-she put her fists together—-“is the maiden holding a sword. A symbol for the warrior queen. Hidden strength.”” SymbolicHidden StrengthFemale WarriorHand Signs Book:Feather and Flame Source: Feather and Flame