How to Sign "Parade"

To sign parade, hold both hands in front of you with your palms facing your body and your fingers pointing down. Wiggle your fingers continuously while moving both hands forward together. This motion represents the many legs of people marching forward in a parade.

Examples Using "Parade" in a Sentence

1

Are we going to the parade?

Sign 'parade' and then use the sign for 'go' while raising your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question about attending the event.

2

The parade is very long.

Sign 'parade' and then use the sign for 'long' while puffing your cheeks slightly to emphasize the size of the event.

3

I love watching parades.

Sign 'I', 'love', 'watch', and then finish with 'parade' to express your enjoyment of the event.

How to Sign "Parade"
To sign parade, hold both hands in front of you with your palms facing your body and your fingers pointing down. Wiggle your fingers continuously while moving both hands forward together. This motion represents the many legs of people marching forward in a parade.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for parade is highly iconic and visual. Your wiggling fingers, pointing downward, represent the many legs of a crowd of people walking. The forward motion of both hands shows the organized, forward movement of a marching band or parade procession.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands relaxed and your fingers loose as you wiggle them. The forward movement should be steady and deliberate, just like a parade moving down a street. Make sure both hands move together at the same pace to show an organized procession.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pointing the fingers forward instead of down. Remember that your fingers represent the legs of the people marching, so they need to point toward the ground. Also, avoid moving the hands too fast; keep the forward movement steady.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Parade" in a Sentence
1

Are we going to the parade?

Sign 'parade' and then use the sign for 'go' while raising your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question about attending the event.

2

The parade is very long.

Sign 'parade' and then use the sign for 'long' while puffing your cheeks slightly to emphasize the size of the event.

3

I love watching parades.

Sign 'I', 'love', 'watch', and then finish with 'parade' to express your enjoyment of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the speed of the forward movement matter?

Yes, the speed can convey the pace of the parade. A steady, moderate pace is standard, but you can move your hands slower to show a slow-moving parade.

Can I use this sign for 'march'?

Yes, this sign is also commonly used to mean 'march' or 'marching', as the visual representation of many legs walking forward applies to both concepts.

Do my palms have to face my body?

Yes, your palms should face inward toward your body with your fingers pointing down. This orientation best represents the legs of the people in the parade moving forward.

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