二礼二拍手一拝 · にれいにはくしゅいっぱく · ritual
nirei nihakushu ippai
Standard bow-clap-bow ritual form for greetings at shrines.
Definition
Nirei nihakushu ippai is a foundational Shinto ritual pattern consisting of two bows, two claps, followed by a final bow. This sequence is performed by worshippers at shrines as a respectful greeting to the kami, encapsulating the essence of reverence and humility before the divine. The ritual reflects the significance of posture and gesture in Shinto practice, reinforcing the connection between the worshipper and the sacred.
Etymology
The phrase translates literally to 'two bows, two claps, one bow,' directly outlining its components.