Palm reading facts for kids
Palm reading, also known as palmistry or chiromancy, is an ancient practice. It's when someone tries to tell your future or learn about your personality. They do this by looking closely at the lines and shapes on your hands. Many cultures around the world have used palm reading for thousands of years. It's often seen as a form of fortune-telling.
Contents
What is Palm Reading?
Palm reading is a way to understand a person's life. People who practice it believe that the lines and bumps on your palms hold clues. These clues might be about your past, present, or even your future. They also believe your hands can show your personality traits.
Palm readers look at many things. They examine the size and shape of your hands. They also check the length of your fingers. Most importantly, they study the patterns of lines on your palms. Each line and area on the hand has a special meaning in palmistry.
A Brief History of Palmistry
Palm reading has a very long history. It began thousands of years ago in different parts of the world. Some historians believe it started in ancient India. From there, it spread to China, Tibet, Persia, and Egypt.
Ancient Greek philosophers also showed interest in palmistry. Later, during the Middle Ages, it became popular in Europe. However, it was sometimes seen as a forbidden practice. In the 19th and 20th centuries, palmistry saw a new rise in popularity. Many books were written about it during this time.
What Palm Readers Look For
Palm readers study several features of your hand. They look at the main lines, smaller lines, and fleshy areas called "mounts." They also consider the overall shape of your hand and fingers.
Major Lines of the Palm
There are three main lines that almost everyone has. These are often the first things a palm reader looks at.
The Heart Line
The heart line is usually found at the top of your palm. It runs horizontally across the hand. Palm readers believe this line shows your emotional life. It can tell about your relationships and feelings. A long, clear heart line might mean you are loving. A shorter one might suggest you are more reserved.
The Head Line
The head line is usually in the middle of your palm. It also runs horizontally. This line is believed to show your mind and how you think. It can tell about your intelligence and creativity. A deep, clear head line might mean you are very focused. A wavy one might suggest you are easily distracted.
The Life Line
The life line curves around the base of your thumb. It's one of the most well-known lines. Many people think it shows how long you will live. However, palm readers usually say it shows your energy and vitality. It can also tell about major life changes. A long, deep life line might mean you have lots of energy. A broken one might suggest big changes or challenges.
Other Important Features
Besides the three main lines, palm readers look at many other things.
Minor Lines
There are several other lines on the palm. These are called minor lines.
- Fate Line: This line runs vertically up the palm. It's believed to show your career and life path. Not everyone has a clear fate line.
- Sun Line: This line is often near the fate line. It's linked to success, fame, and happiness.
- Health Line: This line can show your health and well-being.
The Mounts
The mounts are the slightly raised, fleshy areas on your palm. Each mount is named after a planet or celestial body. They are believed to represent different aspects of your personality.
- Mount of Jupiter: Below the index finger, linked to leadership and ambition.
- Mount of Saturn: Below the middle finger, linked to responsibility and wisdom.
- Mount of Apollo (Sun): Below the ring finger, linked to creativity and success.
- Mount of Mercury: Below the pinky finger, linked to communication and business.
- Mount of Venus: At the base of the thumb, linked to love and passion.
- Mount of Luna (Moon): On the opposite side of the palm from the thumb, linked to imagination and intuition.
- Mounts of Mars: There are two Mars mounts, linked to courage and energy.
Hand Shape and Fingers
The overall shape of your hand is also important. Palm readers often classify hands into types. These types might be "earth," "air," "fire," or "water." Each type is linked to certain personality traits. The length and shape of your fingers also add to the reading. For example, long fingers might mean you are artistic. Short fingers might suggest you are practical.
Is Palm Reading Real?
Most scientists and experts consider palm reading a pseudoscience. This means it looks like a science but doesn't follow scientific methods. There is no scientific proof that palm lines can predict the future. The lines on your hands are formed by genetics and how you use your hands. They don't change based on your personality or future events.
However, many people still enjoy palm reading. They see it as a fun way to learn about themselves. It can be a way to think about your life and choices. For some, it's a cultural tradition. For others, it's a form of entertainment.
Images for kids
-
A fortune-teller conducting a palm reading, with lines and mounts marked out on the person's left palm
-
The Fortune Teller, by Caravaggio (1594–95; canvas; Louvre), depicting a palm reading
-
Cheiro, an influential exponent of palmistry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
-
The mounts in palmistry: Jupiter, Saturn, Apollo, Mercury, Mars positive, Mars negative, plain of Mars, Luna mount, Neptune mount, Venus mount
_02.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Quiromancia para niños
