Historical Accuracy in Fiction

[happy]

Margaret wrote: "Adrian wrote: "Which begs the question...where (and when) did saluting come from?

I'd always assumed it was a derivation of forelock tugging to denote subservience."

I was taught that it came fro..."

I've heard this also, another theory is that knights and men-at-arms raised their right hand (the one that would have a weapon and the one modern militaries salute with) when meeting other knights etc to show that one did not have a weapon in it.

[Nev]

How curious that such a gesture is found in many separate cultures.
In many Indian groups the gesture was to briefly touch one's forehead with one's right hand in such a way that the tips of the forefinger and middle finger touch the skin. It was used for rulers with a bow. For elders it was followed by bending at the waist to touch their feet. Servants USED to use it for their employers--but not any more today, except very rural villages perhaps.
The legacy remains--I use it when I pass a temple or fire-temple, even if just driving by.

[Adrian]

I maintain that (in Anglo culture, at least) it's derived from tugging the forelock. It is a gesture of respect and (in the military and police) required from junior ranks to senior ranks.

You couldn't say the lifting of the knightly visor was a gesture of subservience.