The gesture is still used in school playgrounds as a protective action. The popular explanation for its origin, dating back to classical times when Christians were persecuted, is unfounded due to its late appearance, restricted distribution, and lack of relation to the shape of a cross.
Despite being used in school playgrounds today as a defensive gesture, the popular theory that it originated during the persecution of Christians in ancient times is inaccurate. This explanation lacks evidence because the gesture appeared later than expected, was only available to a limited group of people, and doesn't align with the shape of a cross.