Originally published on May 3, 2010
Where did the common “military salute” get its start?
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Hat off?
Nope, but nice try.
Isn’t it “ten hut” a shortened, shouted version of attention?
It’s possible, but not related to the riddle’s answer.
Attention?
Nope, keep trying.
Was it from the medieval times, when knights would raise their visors (with their right hands) when seeing an approaching knight? I think it was if they were meeting a comrade, or to tell friend from foe…
You are absolutely correct, Nanao Ise.
According to modern military manuals, the modern western salute originated in the Middle Ages when knights who greeted each other raised their visors to show their faces, using a motion that resulted in what looks like a modern salute. Their helmets were equipped with protruding pins on the visors to allow the visors to be lifted using the saluting motion.
Some historians believe it began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon.
Nanao Ise, you are today’s winner.