Live Long And Prosper

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+4s set, cast down/up (2s+3s step down/up 3-4); 1s+4s dance ½ Fig of 8 round end couples. 2(1)4(3)
9-16 1s+4s set and link; 1s+4s circle 4H round to left
17-24 2s+4s also 1s+3s Reverse set and link; 4s+2s also 3s+1s circle 4H round to right. 42(3)(1)
25-32 All dance Double Helix:
 All set advancing passing partner LSh and pull back RSh and cast back to own side; all ½ turn partner RH, 4s+2s also 3s+1s dance ½ RH across. 24(1)(3)

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Live Long And Prosper - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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The phrase was first introduced in the Star Trek episode "Amok Time" (1967), where Spock uses it as a form of blessing to Captain Kirk and others. The full expression is often accompanied by a hand gesture where the fingers are parted into a V-shape, a gesture that was also popularised by Leonard Nimoy, the actor who portrayed Spock. The gesture is said to be inspired by the Jewish priestly blessing, known as the "Priestly Benediction" or "Birkat Kohanim", where the hands are also raised and split.

While "Live long and prosper" was initially a fictional creation, it has since entered popular culture and is used to convey well-wishes, particularly among Star Trek fans.

The blessing gesture, which is the inspiration for the Vulcan salutation, is depicted in a mosaic in the Synagogue of Enschede. The mosaic text reads 'in her left hand riches and honor' (in Hebrew), which is part of Proverbs 3:16.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611, states in Proverbs 3:16:

The Blessing Gesture - The Inspiration For The Vulcan Salutation
Detail Of Mozaic In The Synagoge Of Enschede

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