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==Origin==

==Origin==

Chinese (Beijing) ''kòutóu'', from ''kòu'' to knock + ''tóu'' head

Chinese (Beijing) ''kòutóu'', from ''kòu'' to knock + ''tóu'' head

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 1804]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 1804]

==Description==

==Description==

'''Kowtow''', which is borrowed from'' kòu tóu'' in Mandarin Chinese, is the act of deep respect shown by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneeling kneeling] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowing bowing] so low as to have one's head [[touching]] the ground. An alternative Chinese term is ''ketou'', however the [[meaning]] is somewhat altered: kòu has the general meaning of 'knock', whereas kē has the general meaning of "[[touch]] upon (a surface)", tóu [[meaning]] head.

'''Kowtow''', which is borrowed from'' kòu tóu'' in Mandarin Chinese, is the act of deep respect shown by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneeling kneeling] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowing bowing] so low as to have one's head [[touching]] the ground. An alternative Chinese term is ''ketou'', however the [[meaning]] is somewhat altered: kòu has the general meaning of 'knock', whereas kē has the general meaning of "[[touch]] upon (a surface)", tóu [[meaning]] head.

In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Chinese Han Chinese] culture, the kowtow is the highest sign of [[reverence]]. It was widely used to show reverence for one's [[elders]], superiors, and especially the [[Emperor]], as well as for [[religious]] and cultural objects of [[worship]]. In [[modern]] times, usage of the kowtow has become much reduced.

In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Chinese Han Chinese] culture, the kowtow is the highest sign of [[reverence]]. It was widely used to show reverence for one's [[elders]], superiors, and especially the [[Emperor]], as well as for [[religious]] and cultural objects of [[worship]]. In [[modern]] times, usage of the kowtow has become much reduced.

In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_era_of_Chinese_history Imperial Chinese] protocol, the ''kowtow'' was performed before the [[Emperor]] of China. Depending on the [[solemnity]] of the situation different grades of kowtow would be used. In the most solemn of [[ceremonies]], for example at the coronation of a new Emperor, the Emperor's subjects would undertake the ceremony of the "three kneelings and nine kowtows", the so-called grand kowtow, which involves kneeling from a standing position three times, and each time, performing the kowtow three times while kneeling. Immanuel Hsu describes the "full kowtow" as "three kneelings and nine knockings of the head on the ground."

In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_era_of_Chinese_history Imperial Chinese] protocol, the ''kowtow'' was performed before the [[Emperor]] of China. Depending on the [[solemnity]] of the situation different grades of kowtow would be used. In the most solemn of [[ceremonies]], for example at the coronation of a new Emperor, the Emperor's subjects would undertake the ceremony of the "three kneelings and nine kowtows", the so-called grand kowtow, which involves kneeling from a standing position three times, and each time, performing the kowtow three times while kneeling. Immanuel Hsu describes the "full kowtow" as "three kneelings and nine knockings of the head on the ground."

As [[government]] officials [[represented]] the [[majesty]] of the Emperor while carrying out their [[duties]], commoners were also required to ''kowtow'' to them in [[formal]] situations. For example, a commoner brought before a local [[magistrate]] would be required to kneel and kowtow. A commoner is then required to remain kneeling, whereas a person who has earned a degree in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_examination Imperial examinations] is permitted a seat.

As [[government]] officials [[represented]] the [[majesty]] of the Emperor while carrying out their [[duties]], commoners were also required to ''kowtow'' to them in [[formal]] situations. For example, a commoner brought before a local [[magistrate]] would be required to kneel and kowtow. A commoner is then required to remain kneeling, whereas a person who has earned a degree in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_examination Imperial examinations] is permitted a seat.

Since one is required by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism Confucian philosophy] to show great [[reverence]] to one's [[parents]] and grandparents, children may also be required to kowtow to their elderly [[ancestors]], particularly on special occasions. For example, at a [[wedding]], the marrying couple was [[traditionally]] required to kowtow to both sets of parents, as acknowledgement of the [[debt]] owed for their nurturing.

Since one is required by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism Confucian philosophy] to show great [[reverence]] to one's [[parents]] and grandparents, children may also be required to kowtow to their elderly [[ancestors]], particularly on special occasions. For example, at a [[wedding]], the marrying couple was [[traditionally]] required to kowtow to both sets of parents, as acknowledgement of the [[debt]] owed for their nurturing.

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius] believed there was a [[natural]] [[harmony]] between the [[body]] and [[mind]] and therefore, whatever [[actions]] were expressed through the body would be transferred over to the [[mind]]. Because the body is placed in a low [[position]] in the ''kowtow'', the idea is that one will naturally convert to his or her mind a [[feeling]] of [[respect]]. What one does to oneself has an [[impact]] on the mind. Confucian philosophy held that [[respect]] was important for a society, making [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowing bowing] an important [[ritual]].

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius] believed there was a [[natural]] [[harmony]] between the [[body]] and [[mind]] and therefore, whatever [[actions]] were expressed through the body would be transferred over to the [[mind]]. Because the body is placed in a low [[position]] in the ''kowtow'', the idea is that one will naturally convert to his or her mind a [[feeling]] of [[respect]]. What one does to oneself has an [[impact]] on the mind. Confucian philosophy held that [[respect]] was important for a society, making [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowing bowing] an important [[ritual]].

The kowtow, and other traditional forms of reverence, were much maligned after the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Fourth_Movement May Fourth Movement]. Today, only vestiges of the [[traditional]] usage of the ''kowtow'' remain. In many situations, the standing bow has replaced the kowtow. For example, some, but not all, people would choose to kowtow before the [[grave]] of an [[ancestor]], or while making traditional offerings to an ancestor. Direct descendants may also kowtow at the [[funeral]] of an ancestor, while others would simply bow. During a [[wedding]], some couples may kowtow to their respective [[parents]], though the standing bow is today more common. In [[extreme]] cases, the kowtow can be used to express profound [[gratitude]], apology, or to [[beg]] for [[forgiveness]].

The kowtow, and other traditional forms of reverence, were much maligned after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Fourth_Movement May Fourth Movement]. Today, only vestiges of the [[traditional]] usage of the ''kowtow'' remain. In many situations, the standing bow has replaced the kowtow. For example, some, but not all, people would choose to kowtow before the [[grave]] of an [[ancestor]], or while making traditional offerings to an ancestor. Direct descendants may also kowtow at the [[funeral]] of an ancestor, while others would simply bow. During a [[wedding]], some couples may kowtow to their respective [[parents]], though the standing bow is today more common. In [[extreme]] cases, the kowtow can be used to express profound [[gratitude]], apology, or to [[beg]] for [[forgiveness]].

The ''kowtow'' remains alive as part of a formal induction [[ceremony]] in certain traditional trades that involve [[apprenticeship]] or [[discipleship]]. For example, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_martial_arts Chinese martial arts] schools often require a [[student]] to kowtow to a master. Likewise, traditional performing arts often also require the kowtow.

The ''kowtow'' remains alive as part of a formal induction [[ceremony]] in certain traditional trades that involve [[apprenticeship]] or [[discipleship]]. For example, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_martial_arts Chinese martial arts] schools often require a [[student]] to kowtow to a master. Likewise, traditional performing arts often also require the kowtow.

''Kowtow'' came into [[English]] in the early [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 19th century] to describe the bow itself, but its [[meaning]] soon shifted to [[describe]] any abject submission or grovelling. Many Westerners who first encountered the [[practice]] believed it was a sign of [[worship]], but kowtowing does not necessarily have religious overtones in traditional Chinese [[culture]].

''Kowtow'' came into [[English]] in the early [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 19th century] to describe the bow itself, but its [[meaning]] soon shifted to [[describe]] any abject submission or grovelling. Many Westerners who first encountered the [[practice]] believed it was a sign of [[worship]], but kowtowing does not necessarily have religious overtones in traditional Chinese [[culture]].

The kowtow was a significant issue for [[diplomats]], since it was required to come into the [[presence]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_of_China Emperor of China], but it meant submission before him. The British embassies of George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney (1793) and William Pitt Amherst, 1st Earl Amherst (1816) were foiled, since kowtowing would mean acknowledging their [[King]] as a subject of the [[Emperor]].

The kowtow was a significant issue for [[diplomats]], since it was required to come into the [[presence]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_of_China Emperor of China], but it meant submission before him. The British embassies of George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney (1793) and William Pitt Amherst, 1st Earl Amherst (1816) were foiled, since kowtowing would mean acknowledging their [[King]] as a subject of the [[Emperor]].

Dutch ambassador Isaac Titsingh did not refuse to kowtow during the course of his 1794-1795 mission to the Imperial Court of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Qianlong Emperor Qianlong]. The members of the Titsingh mission, including Andreas Everardus van Braam Houckgeest and Chrétien-Louis-Joseph de Guignes, made every [[effort]] to [[conform]] with the demands of the [[complex]] Imperial court [[etiquette]].

Dutch ambassador Isaac Titsingh did not refuse to kowtow during the course of his 1794-1795 mission to the Imperial Court of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Qianlong Emperor Qianlong]. The members of the Titsingh mission, including Andreas Everardus van Braam Houckgeest and Chrétien-Louis-Joseph de Guignes, made every [[effort]] to [[conform]] with the demands of the [[complex]] Imperial court [[etiquette]].

The ''kowtow'' was often performed in intra-Asian [[diplomatic]] relations as well. In 1636, Injo who was king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty had to kneel three times on the ground and touch his head nine times on the ground (三拜九叩頭禮), to show his allegiance to Huang Taiji who was the first Emperor of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty Qing Dynasty]. This 3*3 kneeling bow continued more than 250 years until 1896 when Korean Empire declared independence as a result of 1st Japan-Sino war. [3]

The ''kowtow'' was often performed in intra-Asian [[diplomatic]] relations as well. In 1636, Injo who was king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty had to kneel three times on the ground and touch his head nine times on the ground (三拜九叩頭禮), to show his allegiance to Huang Taiji who was the first Emperor of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty Qing Dynasty]. This 3*3 kneeling bow continued more than 250 years until 1896 when Korean Empire declared independence as a result of 1st Japan-Sino war. [3]

The King of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryukyu_Kingdom Ryukyu Kingdom] also had to kneel three times on the ground and [[touch]] his head nine times to the ground (三拜九叩頭禮), to show his vassal status to the Chinese Dynasty.

The King of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryukyu_Kingdom Ryukyu Kingdom] also had to kneel three times on the ground and [[touch]] his head nine times to the ground (三拜九叩頭禮), to show his vassal status to the Chinese Dynasty.

[[Category: History]]

[[Category: History]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]