Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Ornament"

Start by signing 'tree': rest your dominant elbow on the back of your horizontal non-dominant hand, with your dominant hand open and twisting slightly. Then, bring both hands in front of you with your index fingers and thumbs pinched together. Move your hands apart and downward in a gentle, scalloped motion, as if you are hanging decorations on the branches.

Examples Using "Ornament" in a Sentence

1

We hung the ornament on the tree.

Establish the context by signing 'tree', then use the 'ornament' sign to show placing the decorations on the branches.

2

That glass ornament is beautiful.

Sign 'glass', then 'ornament', and finish with 'beautiful' while using an appreciative facial expression to convey your admiration.

3

I bought a new ornament.

Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then 'ornament', making sure to clearly show the pinched handshapes for the decoration.

How to Sign "Ornament"
Start by signing 'tree': rest your dominant elbow on the back of your horizontal non-dominant hand, with your dominant hand open and twisting slightly. Then, bring both hands in front of you with your index fingers and thumbs pinched together. Move your hands apart and downward in a gentle, scalloped motion, as if you are hanging decorations on the branches.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a wonderful example of a compound sign that paints a clear, iconic visual picture. The first part of the sign literally represents a tree standing upright, with your arm acting as the trunk and your twisting hand as the branches. The second part of the sign mimics the real-world, delicate action of holding small items and hanging them across those branches. Together, they perfectly capture the concept of tree decorations.
Signing Tips
Make sure the 'tree' portion of the sign is clear and stable before transitioning to the second part. Your non-dominant arm should act as the solid ground. When making the scalloped motion for the ornaments, keep your movements gentle and precise to mimic delicately hanging fragile items. Imagine you are carefully placing small glass baubles on the branches of a pine tree. Keeping your eyes on your hands as you 'hang' the ornaments can also add a natural feel to the sign.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the scalloped motion too large, fast, or chaotic, which can look more like throwing things than decorating. Keep the movements relatively small, rhythmic, and controlled. Additionally, beginners sometimes forget to pinch their index fingers and thumbs together, using flat hands instead. The pinched handshape is crucial because it visually represents holding the tiny string or metal hook of an ornament. Finally, don't rush the transition between the 'tree' and the hanging motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ornament" in a Sentence
1

We hung the ornament on the tree.

Establish the context by signing 'tree', then use the 'ornament' sign to show placing the decorations on the branches.

2

That glass ornament is beautiful.

Sign 'glass', then 'ornament', and finish with 'beautiful' while using an appreciative facial expression to convey your admiration.

3

I bought a new ornament.

Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then 'ornament', making sure to clearly show the pinched handshapes for the decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to sign 'tree' first?

If the context of a Christmas tree or holiday decorating is already clearly established in your conversation, you can sometimes drop the 'tree' part and just use the hanging motion. However, including 'tree' is the best way to ensure absolute clarity, especially when introducing the topic.

What exact handshape should I use for the hanging motion?

Use a pinched handshape for both hands. Bring your index fingers and thumbs together while keeping your other fingers relaxed or slightly curled. This specific handshape is important because it looks exactly like you are delicately holding the small string or hook of an ornament.

Is this sign related to the sign for 'decorate'?

Yes! The second part of this sign uses the exact same handshapes and scalloped motion as the general sign for 'decorate'. By combining the 'tree' sign with the 'decorate' sign, you specify that you are talking about ornaments meant for a tree.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!