In these uncertain times, you might want to sneak a peek into the future for hope. That’s where palm reading or chiromancy could be useful. A dictionary definition states that it's the art of predicting someone's future by interpreting the lines on the palms of their hands. So widespread is it that even now computer programs are being designed to automatically do this.
Discover our latest podcast
Apart from predicting the future, there is a popular theory that the length of the so-called life-line in your palm, could determine when you will die.
Can you hands tell you about how long you will live?
It is a widely-believed notion that there’s a link between the length of a person’s life-line and longevity. In an article on Oldtowncrier.com, Peggie Arvidson, a professional palm reader described the life-line as:
A life line begins between the index (Jupiter) finger and the Thumb and it curves around that fleshy pad below the thumb. It may be long or short, it may swing wide or curve close to the base of the thumb.
Despite the widely-believed notion, many palmists, including Arvidson have dismissed claims of the life-line being a window into how long you live. She said:
You cannot tell how long you’re going to live by the length, depth or shape of a life line on the hand
Read more:
⋙ Sweaty hands: These common household items will keep your palms fresh and dry
⋙ If you look between the palm lines for the letter 'M,' you might be surprised!
Myth of the life-line
In a 2019 study published in theAnthropological Review, researchers measured the total hand length and the line of life length of 60 cadavers (dead bodies) and found ‘no significant correlations’. The team concluded:
As no significant correlations were found between longevity and the line of life all efforts at producing more reliable and automatic ways to read the lines are futile. This study puts to rest any debate surrounding the use of the line of life in palmistry as introduced by Newrick and colleagues.
Although it cannot predict how much longer you have to live, the life-line in your palm could say some say something about your health and physical vitality, according to China Highlights.
Sources used:
China Highlights: Life Line Palm Reading Guide
Oldtowncrier.com: Can my life life tell me how long I’ll live?
