Ryan Brathwaite (hurdler) of Barbados celebrates by pointing to the skyward

Ryan Brathwaite, like many star athletes on the world stage celebrates their victories in similar fashion.

The symbol is one of pointing skyward in a familiar positioning of the hand, This came to my attention on reading the book, The Lost Symbol, written by Dan Brown.

Apparently, the hand sign is a pre-Christian mystical tradition of a acknowledging the mystical power above, which, for one brief moment, had transformed them into a god capable of miraculous feats.

This I am certain is not purposely done by many athletes the world over, but I thought it interesting how certain antics of persons can spread to others who have little understanding as to why it it done.

This pointing-hand gesture-with its index finger and thumb extended upward-is a well-known symbol of the Ancient Mysteries.

This gesture is also seen in many examples of ancient art including, The Last Supper, Adoration of the Magi, and Saint John the Baptist. It's a symbol of man's mystical connection to God." As above, so below.