Religion Why do sports people cross themselves?

[Blobbenstein]

When they score a goal, or win some game or wotnot.

Is it a Catholic thing?

To me crossing oneself is asking Jesus for protection.

 

[ledboots]

When they score a goal, or win some game or wotnot.

Is it a Catholic thing?

To me crossing oneself is asking Jesus for protection.

Catholic thing. Can mean thank God, or whew that was close, etc. I haven't been Catholic for 30 years, but I still cross myself when I see an ambulance with lights flashing. To wish the person inside well, I guess.

 

[Second Summer]

I think some ski jumpers do or at least did this back in the day. Possibly Pavel Ploc, if anyone still remembers him. I can see the need for it when going down those hills!

 

[Joe]

When they score a goal, or win some game or wotnot.

Is it a Catholic thing?

To me crossing oneself is asking Jesus for protection.

My father used to cross himself as kind of a gesture of amazement, as if to say, "I cannot believe this is happening!"