Have you ever seen Japanese people bowing and clapping their hands in front of a shrine?
Here I’d like to share with you how we pray in general and why we clap our hands.
How to pray at a Shinto shrine: 6 Steps
1. Bow deeply twice.
![Bowing deeply twicen Bowing deeply twice](https://www.qooljan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/nirei_01.jpg)
2. Clap your hands twice.
![Clapping your hands twice Clapping your hands twice](https://www.qooljan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/nirei_02.jpg)
3. Say your name and address in your head.
4. Thank the deity politely for everything it has done for you.
5. Make a wish. (You shouldn’t make too many requests; limit yourself to just one.)
![Making a wish Making a wish](https://www.qooljan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/nirei_03.jpg)
6. Bow deeply once again. (This signifies the end of the prayer.)
![Bowing once again Bowing once again](https://www.qooljan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/nirei_04.jpg)
A reason for clapping our hands:
It is said that why we clap our hands because clapping our hands shows our respect to the deities.
Now you know the proper customs to observe at a Shinto shrine.
When you visit, you will be able to follow the Japanese customs!