Two bows, two claps, one bow
"Two bows, two claps, one bow" (Er Li Er Pai Shou Yi Li ) 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.
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.."
While there have been various historical systems, this is the current one that is used now.
This method is widely considered as the standard when visiting shrines However, there may be some local variations depending on the specific shrine.
The practice of "two bows, two claps, one bow" is also sometimes referred to as "2-2-1".
Procedure
The procedure goes as follows
Bow once before entering Torii
Do not walk through the center of a Torii as that is reserved for deities
Purify hands and mouth with chozuya
Put money in the offering box
Ring the bell 2-3 times if present
Bow twice
Clap twice
Bow once This bow should be deeper than the others at a 90-degree angle
History
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 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."
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.
Other pages
State Shinto
Shinto
Institute of Divinities
References
Pages with unreviewed translations
Shinto
Ceremonies