The common way to raise your hand internationally is to put your right hand and fingers together, palm flat, raise it to the position near your right eyebrow or right temple, and then put it down. In the armies of the United States, China and Russia, the palms are usually downward, while in Britain, the palms are forward.
Most countries stipulate that soldiers can only raise their hands when wearing military hats, but the US Army, the China People's Liberation Army and other military forces stipulate that they can raise their hands with or without military hats. Polish soldiers salute with their right index finger and middle finger together and the other three fingers clench their fists.
The origin of military salute
Military salute is a serious etiquette used in the army. There are two legends about the origin of military salute in today's world:
According to a legend, after the British army defeated the Spanish Armada, the Queen held a spectacular celebration for the soldiers who returned home in triumph. At the meeting, Queen Elizabeth I personally presented awards to meritorious soldiers. At that time, in order to safeguard the dignity of the Queen, it was specially stipulated that soldiers should cover their eyes with their hands and not look directly at the Queen when receiving the prize. This action gradually evolved into today's military salute.
According to another legend, a serious military salute originated from medieval love. In medieval Europe, if a princess married a brave soldier, and the soldier wanted the princess, there would inevitably be a sword in front of the princess. Before the game, the warriors must March in front of the princess's throne. In order to show that they were carried away by the beauty of the princess, everyone raised their hands and covered their eyes. Gradually, this action evolved into today's military salute.