Applause - Hakushu

The act of clapping the palms together to make a sound. It is a way of expressing approval or praise, but generally refers to cases that accompany worship of a god. Clapping as a worship etiquette is unique depending on the person and sect, such as two or four claps. In ancient times, it was also performed during morning ceremonies and when gifts were presented. Even today, many people perform it at mealtimes. It has also been called kashiwade since the Middle Ages, and there are various theories about its origin, including a confusion with kashiwade, who were in charge of cooking meals at the imperial court and temples, or the fact that oak leaves were used as tableware. In some places, the ancient form of storytelling is said to have begun with a clap when telling folk tales.

[Masaru Sasaki]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

両手のひらを打ち合わせて音を出す行為。賛成や賞賛の意志表示の一種であるが、一般的には神拝に伴う場合をさす。神拝作法としての拍手は二拍とか四拍というように、対象や宗派によって独自に展開される。古くは朝儀や賜り物などの際にも行われた。今日でも食事時に行う人は少なくない。中世から柏手(かしわで)ともいうようになったが、語源については、宮中や寺院の食膳(しょくぜん)調理をつかさどった膳夫(かしわで)との混合とか、柏の葉を食器として使用したところからなどと諸説ある。昔話を語るときに一拍してから始めたと、語りの場の古態を伝える土地もある。

［佐々木勝］

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