Easter Emojis

Does Easter get two thumbs up … or should it be two hands?

The thumbs-up has been a sign of approval in American culture for many years. It is recognized instantly, meaning “good job,” “well done,” “that’s great,” or “I’m in.”

In film reviews, the critics Siskel and Ebert invented the phrase “two thumbs up” for a very positive film review. Later, Netflix introduced a button called “Double Thumbs Up” to allow viewers to show even deeper affection for a show or a movie.

So, thumbs-up is good, right? Not in the Middle East, where it is a very rude gesture. And it wouldn’t be good if you were a gladiator in ancient Rome. At that time, the emperor would seek the opinion of the crowd, and a thumbs-up was a vote for death. A thumb within a closed fist was a vote for mercy.

In Rome, thumbs-up was bad. Very bad. The exact opposite of the way it is used in America.

So, what about the thumbs-up emoji?

For most of us today, the emoji is a gesture of approval....