Hakushu (Shinto)

Hakushu 拍手 (神道) is a word used to refer to ceremonial clapping in Shinto.

[13] The Wajinden describes the people of the Yayoi period as clapping in worship.

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.

The etiquette was created through the long experience and improvement of the predecessors and is a reflection of the respect for the gods.

神社の参拝方法についての案内板。日本語と英語。
Worshiping manners, 2016, Nagoya, Japan. The etiquette of Two bows, two claps, one bow is explained in both Japanese and English.
An example of prewar two-beat, one-beat worship. The upper row is the second worship, the middle row is the second clap, and the lower row is the first worship. This is the worship after offering the tamagushi, and the tamagushi can be seen on the table in front. Source: NDLJP:1054789/27.