Traditionally, the right hand is considered the blessed hand in many cultures. This association likely stems from the fact that most people are right-handed, making it the dominant hand used for greetings, blessings, and oaths. This convention is reflected in religious texts and traditions.
However, the concept of a "blessed hand" can also be interpreted metaphorically. Biddy Mason, a prominent 19th-century figure, famously stated, "If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives." This suggests that a blessed hand is one that is open to giving and receiving, rather than being tied to a specific physical hand.
Here's a breakdown of the different perspectives:
The Right Hand as the Blessed Hand:
- Cultural Tradition: Many cultures associate the right hand with positive actions and blessings. This is often seen in greetings, giving gifts, and religious ceremonies.
- Religious Context: The right hand's association with blessings is reflected in various religious texts and traditions.
- Dominant Hand: The prevalence of right-handedness likely contributed to this association, as the dominant hand is often used for significant actions.
The Open Hand as the Blessed Hand:
- Metaphorical Interpretation: Biddy Mason's quote emphasizes the importance of generosity and openness as key aspects of a blessed life. The physical hand becomes a symbol of one's approach to life and interactions with others.
- Giving and Receiving: This interpretation emphasizes the reciprocal nature of blessing – the act of giving blessings often results in receiving them in return.
In the context of video games like Diablo II, "Hand of Blessed Light" refers to a specific in-game item, a scepter that enhances certain paladin skills. Its value and effectiveness are discussed in various online forums (https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo2/comments/10uao5x/socketed_hand_of_blessed_light_spirit_cta_for/, https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo2/comments/x4a22g/better_for_fohdin_dual_spirit_or_spirithand_of/, https://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo_2_Resurrected/comments/uilopr/hand_of_blessed_light_or_spirit_for_foh_pally/, https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d2r/t/hand-of-blessed-light-useful/19581, https://d2trader.net/item/unique/hand-of-blessed-light-price/). However, this doesn't contradict the broader cultural and metaphorical understandings.
