The waving of your hand, to acknowledge one or say hello, has an unclear origin, but dates back to nearly the 18th century. This seemingly meaningless gesture has great meaning to those of us in small towns.
Wikipedia describes the wave as “a nonverbal communication gesture that consists of the movement of the hand and/or entire arm that people commonly use to greet each other. … The wave gesture is an essential element of human language.” Despite the lack of effort it requires, the wave has maintained its existence for hundreds of years.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “Seriously, Hailee? An article about waving?” When in reality, in small towns like ours, we overlook the great importance it holds.
Moving from Panguitch to Cedar City has taught me that living in a small town, like Panguitch, has many benefits. For me, these include the unmatched community support, the knowledge that people genuinely know and care about you, being surrounded by countless people that would help both you and your family in times of need, the backroads and big fields and of course, the “small town feel.” Though each one of these is undoubtedly important in their own way, there is one thing that I have come to miss the most after leaving — the “small town wave.”
In Panguitch, you come to familiarize yourself with not only those in the community, but even the vehicles that others drive as well. Because of this, it is not uncommon to wave to a majority of those you pass on the street, before even seeing the face of those driving the vehicle. Whether it be a honk, a wave, or the simple one or two fingers lifted off the steering wheel (you know what I’m talking about), the “small town wave” brings a sense of unity, belonging and friendship to our community, and is truly an essential part.
I did not understand the importance of this until moving to Cedar City, where I no longer get this opportunity. The number of familiar faces and vehicles is minimal, so I very seldom wave at passing cars, nor do they wave at me.
This simple and seemingly meaningless gesture has gone to show me how blessed I am to have grown up in a community that supports me, is there for me and has my back — showing this by simply acknowledging me as we pass by on the street.
Today don’t forget to simply wave! Take just a moment to appreciate each of the small details that make living in a small town as enjoyable and comfortable as it is.
– by Hailee Eyre (18) Panguitch/Cedar City
Feature image caption: Wave! Courtesy Andrea Piacquadio.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.