The Wakandan salute probably went on to be the most recognizable symbol in popular culture, all thanks to Black Panther pride and resilience. This gesture of a cross with arms throughout was more than just some cinematic flair. What does the Wakanda salute mean? It is time now to delve a little deeper into what the Wakanda salute really denotes and from where the gesture originally came.
What Is the Meaning of the Wakanda Salute?
The Black Panther Wakanda salute is one where arms cross over the chest and are a gesture of respect, solidarity, and unity. In Black Panther, this is an ancient gesture of the people coming into union within the mythical African nation of Wakanda, a sign of bonding and heritage. Indeed, it does reflect strength and protection too-the crossed arms give off the image of a shield.
According to the director, Ryan Coogler, it was inspired by the cultural traditions or practices of Africa, particularly that of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and other African nations where the crossing of arms over the chest is a sign of loyalty and respect. It also means "hug" or "love".
How Did Ryan Coogler Create the Salute?
Before Black Panther, crossed arms used to mean, well, anything. When CM Punk was in the WWE, he did it to show off his Straight Edge lifestyle. In Wonder Woman, Diana does it to activate her Amazonian bracelets. And in Deadpool 2, which was filmed around the same time as Black Panther, Deadpool does it to christen his X-Force.
So, when it comes Wakanda's iconic salute, Director Ryan Coogler wanted it to be a totally African gesture, yet one which showed others unity and strength. This creative process involved a lot of research and study.
One of the key influences was the imagery of Egyptian pharaohs, who were often depicted with their arms crossed over their chests. This gesture symbolized royalty, protection, and power, which aligned perfectly with the themes of the Black Panther film and the spirit of Wakanda as a strong and united nation.
Additionally, Coogler explored a range of other cultural and symbolic factors, drawing from African traditions that emphasize community, solidarity, and resilience. And to make it resonate on a deeper level, Coogler also engaged in a collaborative process with his production team, including movement choreographer Diallo Thompson, to ensure this salute would feel like a cultural symbol carrying weight both in and outside the film.
And thus, the Wakandan salute was born as we know it. The crossed-arms gesture becomes a potent cultural symbol, not only in the world of Black Panther but very much in the real world.
Has the Salute Been Used in Real Life?
Yes. The Wakandan salute from Black Panther, for instance, has translated well in real life. From events where it was performed in public gatherings, political events, and even sporting events where professional athletes and celebrities alike, along with the spectator, use the salute in solidarity, culturally.
One of those indelible moments came as cast members, including Chadwick Boseman, issued the salute at press events and on red carpets, cementing its association with real-world gestures of empowerment. Moreover, after Boseman's death, the salute was frequently used as a tribute to the actor and the character of T'Challa in gestures of mourning and respect.
That wraps up our answer to the question, “What does the Wakanda salute mean?” In short, the salute is not just a gesture from a superhero movie. It also represents strength and unites people with an African culture and history of respect.
Ryan Coogler thoughtfully designed the salute by looking to ancient Egyptian pharaohs and African customs for imagery, so it carries serious meaning both in and outside the film. The salute has become an oecumenical sign of solidarity, pride, and cultural heritage, which, since its appearance, has moved well beyond the screen as people in every part of the world continue to take it up.
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