Hakushu (Shinto)

Hakushu 拍手 (神道) is a word used to refer to ceremonial clapping in Shinto. It is also known as Kashiwade.

It is a part of the two bows, two claps, one bow practice done when praying at a shrine in Japan.

Ceremonial clapping is quiet and soft.

It is considered to have a Buddhist meaning with the right hand meaning Buddha and the left hand meaning all beings so unification of Buddha and all beings. As Buddhism and shinto have been together for so long it is unclear which one it originated from.

The practice is present in Aikido and Bujinkan.

History
Hakushu has a long history in Shinto. The Wajinden describes the people of the Yayoi period as clapping in worship.

Some people considered it as Buddhist, with the right hand meaning Buddha and the left hand meaning all beings so unification of Buddha and all beings. As Buddhism and shinto have been together for so long it is unclear which one it originated from.

However the origin of the modern "Two bows, two claps, one bow" etiquette can be traced back to the "Shrine Festival" in 1873, where it was written as "revisit applause." Over time, various methods were devised and improved, leading to the creation of the current etiquette. The "Shrine Rituals and Events Etiquette" enacted in the 40th year of the Meiji era defined the etiquette as "returning, clapping twice, pressing together, praying, praying, clapping twice, and bowing again." However, at Usa Jingū and Izumo-taisha, it is correct etiquette to bow twice, clap four times, then bow once.

It is widely accepted that "two bows, two claps, one bow" is the formal etiquette of worship for the chief priest. The etiquette was created through the long experience and improvement of the predecessors and is a reflection of the respect for the gods.