How to Sign "Holiday"
Form both hands into open "5" handshapes with your fingers spread apart. Place your thumbs against your upper chest near your armpits, with your palms facing inward. Tap your thumbs against your chest twice.
Examples Using "Holiday" in a Sentence
1
I am excited for the winter holiday.
Sign "excited," then "winter," and finish with the sign for "holiday" by tapping your thumbs on your upper chest twice.
2
What is your favorite holiday?
Point to the person for "your," sign "favorite," then "holiday," and furrow your eyebrows while signing "what" at the end to show it is a question.
3
We have a holiday next week.
Sign "we," then "next week," and finally use the double-tapping motion on your chest for "holiday."
How to Sign "Holiday"
Form both hands into open "5" handshapes with your fingers spread apart. Place your thumbs against your upper chest near your armpits, with your palms facing inward. Tap your thumbs against your chest twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "holiday" or "vacation" originates from the visual idea of a person relaxing. The placement of the thumbs near the armpits mimics a person casually hooking their thumbs into their suspenders or the armholes of a vest while leaning back and taking time off from work.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers relaxed and spread apart in a natural "5" handshape. Make sure the movement comes from your wrists and elbows slightly bouncing as your thumbs tap your chest. You do not need to tap forcefully; a light, double tap is perfect for conveying the word clearly.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using closed fists instead of open hands with spread fingers. Make sure your fingers are extended outward. Another mistake is tapping the stomach or lower chest; keep the hands up high near the armpits, as if you are hooking your thumbs into suspenders.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Holiday" in a Sentence
1I am excited for the winter holiday.
Sign "excited," then "winter," and finish with the sign for "holiday" by tapping your thumbs on your upper chest twice.
2What is your favorite holiday?
Point to the person for "your," sign "favorite," then "holiday," and furrow your eyebrows while signing "what" at the end to show it is a question.
3We have a holiday next week.
Sign "we," then "next week," and finally use the double-tapping motion on your chest for "holiday."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for "holiday" the same as "vacation"?
Yes! In ASL, the sign for "holiday" and "vacation" is exactly the same. You use the context of your sentence to let the other person know whether you mean a festive holiday or a personal vacation.
Do my fingers need to wiggle while I sign this?
No, your fingers should remain still and spread apart. The only movement should be the double tapping of your thumbs against your upper chest.
Does it matter which hand I use?
For this sign, you use both hands simultaneously. It is a symmetrical sign, meaning both your dominant and non-dominant hands perform the exact same handshape and movement at the same time.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!