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Definition
“Mano” is a gesture of respect that is practiced in Filipino culture wherein the younger takes the elder’s hand and presses the back of the elder’s hand to their forehead. This is performed after the younger says “Mano po” to the elder, which roughly translates to “May I have your blessing?” or alternatively “May I have your hand?”

The addition of “po” further emphasizes the importance of acknowledgment and respect towards the elder, as it is a word that is used by younger people to refer to their elders with respect.

Background
The word “mano” comes from the Spanish word “hand”. The act of “mano” can also be classified with the Tagalog verb “pagmamano”. Historians say that this cultural gesture originated during the Spanish Colonization period and that the gesture was first done for the priests, with people paying their respects by kissing the priest’s hand. However, later on, the gesture became not only for the priests but also for the elders in the community in order for younger people to pay their respects to their elders in their communities. Whether it be their grandmother (lola), grandfather (lolo), godmother, or godfather, "pagmamano" is practiced by the younger to give respect to their elder.

The Practice Today (21st Century)
Nowadays, the practice of "pagmamano" is not as commonly practiced amongst the younger generation of Filipinos, although, it "depends entirely on how they were raised" Emmanuel Abalos says for and interview with The Voice of Vietnam. In the same interview, Abalos continues on to say:"'From youth, Filipinos are taught to respect the elders, not only within the family, but those in the community as well, be they strangers or relatives. We Filipinos believe that the elders have earned the respect of the younger generations not only through their age, but through their acquired wisdom and experience. The custom of mano dates to pre-colonial times, and is still followed in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.'"Although the practice of "pagmamano" is not as prevelant today, new gestures of greeting such as "beso" (or a cheek to cheek kiss) has replaced the practice of "pagmamano" amongst younger generations. The practice of "pagmamano" has somewhat evolved in the current century, although its main purpose of paying respects and acknowledgment still stands. An example wherein "pagmamano" has become undesirable is when some of the Filipino elders, jokingly or seriously say that they would prefer if the young people refrain from performing the act of "pagmamano" as it makes them feel old.

Despite these changes, Filipino culture continues to emphasize the means of respecting one's elders in their community as well as those in the same age range through the gestures of "pagmamano" and "beso."