Two bows, two claps, one bow

"Two bows, two claps, one bow" (二礼二拍手一礼) is a ritual people do when they enter Shinto shrines. As the name suggests it involves bowing twice, clapping twice, and then bowing once more.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

To show respect for the gods, it is important to follow proper etiquette, with "two bows, two claps, one bow" being the most commonly used method. This ritual has evolved over time and is a reflection of the respect and reverence for the deities.."^[6]

While there have been various historical systems, this is currently the one that is most widely used.^[7]

This method is widely considered as the standard when visiting shrines^[8] However, there may be some local variations depending on the specific shrine.^[6] For example, at shrines such as Usa Jingū and Izumo-taisha, visitors should clap four times rather than the usual twice.^[9][10]

The practice of "two bows, two claps, one bow" is also sometimes referred to as "2-2-1".^[11]

The procedure goes as follows^[12][13]

1. Bow once before entering Torii^[12][13][2]
   1. Do not walk through the center of a Torii as that is reserved for deities^[13][2]
2. Purify hands and mouth with chozuya^[12][13][2]
3. Put money in the offering box^[14][2][6]
4. Ring the bell 2-3 times if present^[15][6]
5. Bow twice^{[12][13][2] [6]}
6. Clap twice^{[12][13][2] [6]}
7. Bow once^[12][13][2] This bow should be deeper than the others^[16] at a 90-degree angle^[6]
8. When exiting the shrine, turn around and again bow once at the Torii.^[17]

The practice of "two bows, two claps, one bow" can be traced back to the "Shrine Festival" in 1873, where it was referred to as Reworship and applause (再拝拍手, saibai hakushu) Over time, different methods were developed and refined, resulting in the current etiquette. In the 40th year of the Meiji era, the "Shrine Rituals and Events Etiquette" was established, which defined the etiquette as "returning, clapping twice, pressing together, praying, praying, clapping twice, and bowing again."^[6]

It is widely acknowledged that "two bows, two claps, one bow" is the formal etiquette of worship for the chief priest. This etiquette was developed through the extensive experience and improvements made by the predecessors and is a testament to the reverence and respect for the gods.^[6]

• State Shinto
• Shinto
• Hakushu (Shinto)
• Institute of Divinities