# Prostration > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Prostration > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Prostration.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostration > Source revision: 1351478333 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Reverential or submissive posture}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} {{About|Prostration||Prostration (disambiguation)}} {{About||the medical condition of heat prostration|hyperthermia}} {{distinguish|prostate|prostitution}} '''Prostration''' is the [gesture](/source/gesture) of placing one's body in a [reverentially](/source/reverentially) or [submissively](/source/submissively) [prone position](/source/prone_position). Typically prostration is distinguished from the lesser acts of [bowing](/source/bowing) or [kneeling](/source/kneeling) by involving a part of the body above the knee, especially the hands, touching the ground. Major world [religion](/source/religion)s employ prostration as an act of submissiveness or [worship](/source/worship) to an entity or to the [Supreme Being (i.e. God)](/source/God), as in the ''[metanoia](/source/Metanoia_(theology))'' in [Christian prayer](/source/Christian_prayer) used in the [Eastern Orthodox](/source/Eastern_Orthodox) and [Oriental Orthodox Church](/source/Oriental_Orthodox_Church)es, and in the ''[sujud](/source/sujud)'' of the [Islamic](/source/Islamic) [prayer](/source/prayer), ''[salat](/source/salat)''.{{cite web |last1=Dawood |first1=Bishoy |title=Stand, Bow, Prostrate: The Prayerful Body of Coptic Christianity : Clarion Review |url=https://www.clarionreview.org/2013/12/stand-bow-prostrate-the-prayerful-body-of-coptic-christianity |publisher=Clarion Review |access-date=27 July 2020 |language=en |date=8 December 2013 |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813184606/https://www.clarionreview.org/2013/12/stand-bow-prostrate-the-prayerful-body-of-coptic-christianity/ |url-status=dead }} In various cultures and traditions, prostrations are similarly used to show respect to rulers, civil authorities and social elders or superiors, as in the [Yoruba](/source/Yoruba_people) Idobale, [Chinese](/source/Culture_of_China) [kowtow](/source/kowtow) or [Ancient Greek](/source/Ancient_Greek) ''[proskynesis](/source/proskynesis)''. The act has often traditionally been an important part of religious, civil and traditional rituals and ceremonies, and remains in use in many cultures. ==Traditional religious practices== [[File:Pilgrims prostrating at Jokhang.JPG|thumb|200px|left|[Buddhist pilgrims](/source/Buddhist_pilgrimage) prostrating at the [Jokhang](/source/Jokhang).]] Many religious institutions (listed alphabetically below) use prostrations to embody the lowering, submitting or relinquishing of the individual ego before a greater spiritual power or presence. ===Baháʼí Faith=== In the [Baháʼí Faith](/source/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_Faith), prostrations are performed as a part of one of the alternatives of obligatory prayer (the "Long" one){{cite journal |author= Bill Washington | title =Some Passing Comments on the Long Obligatory Prayer of Bahá'u'lláh | journal =Baháʼí Studies in Australasia | volume =3 | publisher = Association for Baháʼí Studies Australia | date =1996 | url =http://bahai-library.com/washington_long_obligatory_prayer | access-date = 30 September 2015 }} and in the case of traveling, a prostration is performed in place of each missed [obligatory prayer](/source/Obligatory_Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_prayers) in addition to saying "Glorified be God, the Lord of Might and Majesty, of Grace and Bounty". However, if unable to do so, saying "Glorified be God" is sufficient.Source: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, The Most Holy Book, by Baha'u'llah, #14. There are specifics about where the prostration can take place including, "God hath granted you leave to prostrate yourselves on any surface that is clean ..." (note #10) and "He also condemns such practices as prostrating oneself before another person and other forms of behaviour that abase one individual in relation to another". (note #57) ===Buddhism=== {{main|Prostration (Buddhism)}} In [Buddhism](/source/Buddhism), prostrations are commonly used and the various stages of the physical movement are traditionally counted in threes and related to the [Triple Gem](/source/Triple_Gem), consisting of: * the Awakened One ([Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit)/[Pali](/source/Pali): ''[Buddha](/source/Gautama_Buddha)'') (in this meaning, to own potential) * his teaching (Sanskrit: ''[Dharma](/source/Dharma)''; Pali: ''Dhamma'') * his community (''[Sangha](/source/Sangha_(Buddhism))'') of noble disciples (''ariya-[savaka](/source/savaka)'').For an example of how this reverence for the Triple Gem is embodied in the [Pali Canon](/source/Pali_Canon), see, e.g., the [Ratana Sutta](/source/Ratana_Sutta). In addition, different schools within Buddhism use prostrations in various ways, such as the [Tibetan](/source/Tibetan_Buddhism) [tantric](/source/Tantra) preliminary practice of a 100,000 prostrations as a means of overcoming pride (see [Ngöndro](/source/Ng%C3%B6ndro)).See the "Namo Buddha Glossary of Buddhist Terminology," entry "four special foundations" ({{cite web|url=http://www.rinpoche.com/glossary.htm|access-date=2008-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607073750/https://www.rinpoche.com/glossary.htm|archive-date=2021-06-07|url-status=dead|title=Namo Buddha Glossary of Buddhist Terminology}}). Tibetan pilgrims often progress by prostrating themselves fully at each step, then moving forward as they get up, in such a way that they have lain on their face on each part of their route. Each three paces involves a full prostration; the number three is taken to refer to the Triple Gem. This is often done round a [stupa](/source/stupa), and in an extremely arduous pilgrimage, [Mount Kailash](/source/Mount_Kailash) is circumnavigated entirely by this method, which takes about four weeks to complete the 52-kilometre route. It is also not unusual to see pilgrims prostrating all the way from their home to Lhasa, sometimes a distance of over 2000 km, the process taking up to two years to complete. ===Christianity=== {{see also|Proskynesis#In Christianity}} [[File:Deacon Ordination.jpg|thumb|260px|White-clad [deacon](/source/deacon) candidates prostrate before the altar of the [Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels](/source/Cathedral_of_Our_Lady_of_the_Angels) in [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles) during their ordination [liturgy](/source/liturgy)]] In [Oriental Orthodox Christianity](/source/Oriental_Orthodox_Church) and Western Orthodox Christianity, believers prostrate during the [seven fixed prayer times](/source/fixed_prayer_times); [prayer rugs](/source/prayer_rugs) are used by some adherents to provide a clean space for believers to offer their [Christian prayer](/source/Christian_prayer)s to God, e.g. the [canonical hours](/source/canonical_hours).{{cite web |author1=Bishop Brian J Kennedy, OSB |title=Importance of the Prayer Rug |url=https://www.stfinian.com/importance-of-the-prayer-rug-in-the-celtic-orthodox-church|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725141343/https://www.stfinian.com/importance-of-the-prayer-rug-in-the-celtic-orthodox-church|archivedate=25 July 2020 |publisher=St. Finian Orthodox Abbey |access-date=25 July 2020 |language=en}} Oriental Orthodox Christians, such as Copts, incorporate prostrations in their prayers that are performed [facing eastward](/source/direction_of_prayer) in anticipation of the [Second Coming of Jesus](/source/Second_Coming_of_Jesus), "prostrating three times in the name of the [Trinity](/source/Holy_Trinity); at the end of each Psalm … while saying the ‘Alleluia’; and multiple times" during the forty-one [Kyrie eleisons](/source/Kyrie_eleison)" (cf. ''[Agpeya](/source/Agpeya)'').{{cite web |last1=Kosloski |first1=Philip |title=Did you know Muslims pray in a similar way to some Christians? |url=https://aleteia.org/2017/10/16/did-you-know-muslims-pray-in-a-similar-way-to-some-christians/ |publisher=[Aleteia](/source/Aleteia) |access-date=25 July 2020 |language=en |date=16 October 2017}} [Syriac Orthodox](/source/Syriac_Orthodox) and [Indian Orthodox](/source/Indian_Orthodoxy) Christians, as well as Christians belonging to the [Mar Thoma Syrian Church](/source/Mar_Thoma_Syrian_Church) (an [Oriental Protestant](/source/Oriental_Protestant_Christianity) denomination), make multiple prostrations at the seven fixed prayer times during which the canonical hours are prayed, thrice during the Qauma prayer, at the words "Crucified for us, Have mercy on us!", thrice during the recitation of the Nicene Creed at the words "And was incarnate of the Holy Spirit...", "And was crucified for us...", & "And on the third day rose again...", as well as thrice during the Prayer of the Cherubim while praying the words "Blessed is the glory of the Lord, from His place forever!" (cf. ''[Shehimo](/source/Shehimo)'').{{cite book |title=Shehimo: Book of Common Prayer |date=2016 |publisher=[Diocese of South-West America of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church](/source/Malankara_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Southwest_America) |page=5, 7, 12|language=en}}{{cite book |last1=Richards |first1=William Joseph |title=The Indian Christians of St. Thomas: Otherwise Called the Syrian Christians of Malabar: a Sketch of Their History and an Account of Their Present Condition as Well as a Discussion of the Legend of St. Thomas |date=1908 |publisher=Bemrose |page=99|language=en}} Oriental Catholic and Oriental Protestant rites also use prostrations in a similar way as the Oriental Orthodox Churches.{{cite web |last1=Landy |first1=Thomas M. |title=Syro-Malabar Catholics worship eastward |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/india/syro-malabar-church/syro-malabar-worship |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |access-date=21 August 2020 |language=en |date=11 February 2014 |quote=At Syro-Malabar liturgies, men and women generally separate into different sides of the church. Shoes are left outside of church, and prayer rugs cover the floor.}} Among [Old Ritualists](/source/Old_Ritualists), a prayer rug known as the [Podruchnik](/source/Podruchnik) is used to keep one's face and hands clean during prostrations, as these parts of the body are used to make the [sign of the cross](/source/sign_of_the_cross).{{cite web |last1=Basenkov |first1=Vladimir |title=Vladimir Basenkov. Getting To Know the Old Believers: How We Pray |url=https://orthochristian.com/104149.html#_ftnref3 |publisher=Orthodox Christianity |access-date=25 July 2020 |language=en |date=10 June 2017}} The [Catholic](/source/Catholic), [Lutheran](/source/Lutheran), and [Anglican](/source/Anglican) Churches use full prostrations, lying flat on the floor face down, during the imposition of [Holy Orders](/source/Holy_Orders),{{Cite web |last=Latona |first=Mike |date=2022-08-01 |title=Prostration a powerful moment in ordination rites |url=https://catholiccourier.com/articles/prostration-a-powerful-moment-in-ordination-rites/ |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Catholic Courier |language=en-US}} [Religious Profession](/source/Profession_(religious)) and the [Consecration of Virgins](/source/Consecrated_virgin). Additionally, in the Roman Catholic Church and United Methodist Church, at the beginning of the Good Friday Liturgy, the celebrating priest and the deacon2011 Roman Missal, [Good Friday] paragraph 5 prostrate themselves in front of the [altar](/source/altar). Dominican practice on Good Friday services in priory churches includes prostration by all friars in the aisle of the church. In the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican churches, partial prostrations ("profound bows") can be used in place of [genuflection](/source/genuflection)s for those who are unable to genuflect. The prostration is always performed before God, and in the case of holy orders, profession or consecration the candidates prostrate themselves in front of the altar which is a symbol of Christ. [[File:Greek Altar of Calvary.jpg|thumb|left|260px|[Eastern Orthodox](/source/Eastern_Orthodox) [pilgrim](/source/pilgrim)s making prostrations at [Golgotha](/source/Golgotha) in the [Church of the Holy Sepulchre](/source/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre), [Jerusalem](/source/Jerusalem).]] In [Eastern Orthodox](/source/Eastern_Orthodox) Church, prostrations are preceded by making the [sign of the cross](/source/Sign_of_the_Cross) and consist of kneeling and touching the head to the floor. They are commonly performed both at specific moments during the services and when [venerating](/source/veneration) [relics](/source/relics) or [icon](/source/icon)s. However, prostrations are forbidden on the [Lord's Day](/source/Lord's_Day) (Sunday) and during [Paschaltide](/source/Paschaltide) (Easter season) in honour of the Resurrection[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf214.vii.vi.xxx.html Canon 20] of the 1st Ecumenical Council, [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf214.xiv.iii.xci.html Canon 90] of the 6th Ecumenical Council, Canon 91 of St Basil and are traditionally discouraged on [Great Feasts](/source/Great_Feasts) of the Lord. During [Great Lent](/source/Great_Lent), and [Holy Week](/source/Holy_Week), frequent prostrations are prescribed (see [Prayer of St. Ephraim](/source/Prayer_of_St._Ephraim)). Orthodox Christian may also make prostrations in front of people (though in this case without the Sign of the Cross, as it is not an act of veneration or [divine worship](/source/Latria)), such as the [bishop](/source/bishop), one's [spiritual father](/source/spiritual_father) or one another when asking [forgiveness](/source/forgiveness) (in particular at the [Vespers](/source/Vespers) service which begins [Great Lent](/source/Great_Lent) on the afternoon of the [Sunday of Forgiveness](/source/Sunday_of_Forgiveness).) Those who are physically unable to make full prostrations may instead substitute ''metanias'' (bows at the waist). ===Hinduism=== {{Main|Ashtanga Namaskara|Pranama}} In [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism), eight-limbed (''ashtanga pranama,'' also called ''dandavat,'' meaning "like a stick") and five-limbed (''panchanga pranama'') prostrations are included in the religious ritual of [puja](/source/puja_(Hinduism)). ===Islam=== {{main|Sujud}} [[File:Mosque.jpg|thumb|260px|In Islam, ''sajadat'' (prostrations) occupy a quintessential position in the five obligatory (fardh) daily [ritual prayers](/source/salat).]] In [Islam](/source/Islam), prostrations (''[sajadat](/source/sujud)'', plural of ''sujud'' or ''sajda'') are used to praise, glorify and humble oneself in front of [Allah](/source/Allah) (God) and are a vital part of the five obligatory [prayers](/source/Salaah) performed daily; this is deemed obligatory for every [Muslim](/source/Muslim) whether the prayers are being performed individually or in the congregation.{{cite web|url=http://www.radioislam.co.za/Library/Salaah/How_to_perform_Salaah.pdf|title=How to Perform Salaah|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225041126/http://www.radioislam.co.za/Library/Salaah/How_to_perform_Salaah.pdf|archive-date=25 February 2009}}[http://www.radioislam.org.za/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1625&Itemid=47 The Medical Advantages of Sajdah]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}- by Dr. Muhammad Karim Beebani{{cite web|url=http://www.islamawareness.net/Salah/salah_zakir.html|title=Benefits of Salah|website=www.islamawareness.net}} Additionally, the thirty-second chapter (''[sura](/source/sura)'') of the [Qur'an](/source/Qur'an) is titled [As-Sajda](/source/As-Sajda)h ("The Prostration": see {{cite quran|32|1|1|style=nosup|begin=no|t=y}}), while the [Arabic](/source/Arabic) word ''sujud'' (also meaning prostration) appears about 90 times in the Qur'an, a fact which many Muslim scholars claim to be another example of its significance in Islam. According to a narration of the [words and deeds](/source/sunnah) of [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad) as contained in the collection of [hadith](/source/hadith) of [Ibn Majah](/source/Ibn_Majah), Muhammad is reported to have said that "[t]he prayer [salah] is a cure for many diseases" and have advised people to perform prostration gracefully. It is also important to note that in Islam, the prostration to anyone but Allah is absolutely forbidden as it constitutes [shirk](/source/Shirk_(Islam)). Muhammad strictly prohibited Muslims from prostrating before him. Regardless of the circumstances, no Muslim should request or accept prostration from others, as prostration of anyone but Allah is strictly prohibited in Islam.There is an exception to this that is when the individual is forced or coerced{{Cite web |title=She is concealing her conversion to Islam from her family, and they force her to prostrate to their idols; what should she do? - Islam Question & Answer |url=https://islamqa.info/ |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=Islam-QA |language=en}} ===Jainism=== In [Jainism](/source/Jainism), there is a great importance placed on prostration, especially when a devotee is in the temples or in front of high souls.{{clarify|date=February 2012}} It represents the surrendering of [ego](/source/Id%2C_ego_and_super-ego). ===Judaism=== [[File:Tissot Abraham and the Three Angels.jpg|thumb|right|The prophet [Abraham](/source/Abraham) prostrates himself before three visitors (Genesis 18:2)]] In [Judaism](/source/Judaism), the [Tanakh](/source/Tanakh) and [Talmud](/source/Talmud)ic texts as well as writings of [Gaonim](/source/Gaonim) and [Rishonim](/source/Rishonim) indicate that prostration was very common among Jewish communities until some point during the Middle Ages. In the [Book of Genesis](/source/Book_of_Genesis), [Abraham](/source/Abraham) lay prostrate when God appeared to him to establish a [covenant](/source/Covenant_(biblical)) with him, in [Genesis 17](/source/Genesis_17):3, and again in Genesis 17:17,{{bibleverse|Genesis|17|HE}}: [JPS 1917 translation of the Bible](/source/Jewish_Publication_Society_of_America_Version) and when three men visited him at the [terebinths of Mamre](/source/Mamre).{{bibleverse|Genesis|18:2|HE}} In [Mishneh Torah](/source/Mishneh_Torah), [Maimonides](/source/Maimonides) states that full prostration (with one's body pressed flat to the earth) should be practiced at the end of the [Amidah](/source/Amidah), recited thrice daily. Members of the [Karaite](/source/Karaite_Judaism) denomination practice full prostrations during prayers. Traditionally, [Orthodox](/source/Orthodox_Judaism) [Ashkenazi](/source/Ashkenazi) [Jews](/source/Jews) prostrated during [Rosh Hashana](/source/Rosh_Hashana) and [Yom Kippur](/source/Yom_Kippur), as did [Yemenite Jews](/source/Yemenite_Jews) during the [Tachanun](/source/Tachanun) part of daily Jewish prayer. [Ethiopian Jews](/source/Ethiopian_Jews) traditionally prostrated during a holiday specific to their community known as ''[Sigd](/source/Sigd)''. ''Sigd'' comes from a [root word](/source/triconsonantal_root) meaning prostration in [Ge'ez](/source/Ge'ez), [Aramaic](/source/Aramaic), and [Arabic](/source/Arabic). There is a movement among ''[Talmide haRambam](/source/Dor_Daim)'' to revive prostration as a regular part of daily Jewish worship. Rabbinical Judaism teaches that when the High Priest spoke the [Tetragrammaton](/source/Tetragrammaton) in the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem on Yom Kippur, the people in the courtyard were to prostrate themselves completely as they heard the name spoken aloud. Judaism forbids prostration directly on a stone surface in order to prevent conflation with similar practices of [Canaanite](/source/Canaanite_religion) [polytheist](/source/polytheist)s.{{cite web|last=Davidson|first=Baruch S.|url=http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1508300/jewish/Do-Jews-Kneel-in-Prayer.htm|title=Do Jews Kneel in Prayer?|website=www.chabad.org|access-date=28 April 2026}} ===Sikhism=== [Sikhs](/source/Sikhs) prostrate in front of [Guru Granth Sahib](/source/Guru_Granth_Sahib), the holy scripture of the Sikhs. Sikhs consider Guru Granth Sahib as their living [Guru](/source/Guru) and the unchanging word of [God](/source/God_in_Sikhism): thus, by prostrating, Sikhs present their head to their Guru, awaiting command, which is taken in the form of a ''hukamnama'', or a random opening of Guru Granth Sahib to reveal an edict for the individual or congregation (similar to the ancient Roman practice of ''[sortes sanctorum](/source/Sortes_Sanctorum)'', a form of [bibliomancy](/source/bibliomancy)). Sikhs call the prostration ''mutha tekna'' ("lowering the forehead"). Whenever and however many times a Sikh is in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib he will prostrate, usually upon the initial sight of Guru Granth Sahib and again upon leaving the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs, in their personal worship (morning [Nitnem](/source/Five_Banis) and evening [Rehras](/source/Rehras)), will prostrate upon the completion of prayers and the [ardās](/source/ard%C4%81s). The direction of prostration is not important as Sikhs place emphasis on the [omnipresence](/source/omnipresence) of God: however, if it is possible, Sikhs tend to prostrate in the direction in which ''bani'' (books containing the word of God, such as the Gutka Sahib or Pothi Sahib) are kept. Other prostrations practiced by Sikhs from an Indian culture are touching of the feet to show respect and great humility (generally done to grandparents and other family elders). Full prostration is reserved for Guru Granth Sahib, as prostration is considered to be the ultimate act of physical humility and veneration. ==Other contexts== [[File:Massacres of Christians by heathen Chinese, and horrors of the Boxers; containing a complete history of the Boxers; the Tai-Ping insurrection and massacres of the foreign ministers; manners, customs (14773765711).jpg|thumb|230px|[Kowtow](/source/Kowtow) in China]] Outside of traditional religious institutions, prostrations are used to show deference to worldly power, in the pursuit of general spiritual advancement and as part of a physical-health regimen. ===Hawaii=== In [ancient Hawaii](/source/ancient_Hawaii), a form of prostration known as ''[kapu moe](/source/Kapu_(Hawaiian_culture))'' required all to prostrate in the presence of a ''nīʻaupiʻo'' or a ''piʻo'' chief on the pain of death. The only people exempt from this were chiefs of the next grade the ''naha'' and ''wohi'' chiefs who were required to sit in their presence. Other Polynesian groups are known to practice this. ===Imperial China=== In [Imperial China](/source/Imperial_era_of_Chinese_history), a form of prostration known as a [kowtow](/source/kowtow) or kētou was used as a sign of respect and reverence. ===Japan=== [[File:Brooklyn Museum - The Actors Ichikawa Ebizo III and Ichikawa Shinnosuke - Utagawa Toyokuni I.jpg|thumbnail|upright|Actors prostrating in dogeza. ''The Actors, Ichikawa Ebizo III and Ichikawa Shinnosuke'', woodblock color print by [Toyokuni](/source/Utagawa_Toyokuni) c. 1800.]] {{main|Dogeza}} In [Japan](/source/Japan), a common form of prostration is called [dogeza](/source/dogeza), which was used as a sign of deep respect and submission for the elders of a family, guests, [samurai](/source/samurai), ''[daimyō](/source/daimy%C5%8D)s'' and the Emperor. In modern times, it is generally used only in extreme circumstances, such as when apologizing for very serious transgressions or begging for an incredible favor. To perform dogeza, a person first enters the sitting/kneeling position known as [seiza](/source/seiza), and then proceeds to touch the head to the ground. This practice may be related to rites of the [Shinto](/source/Shinto) religion and [culture of Japan](/source/culture_of_Japan) dating back centuries. ===Martial arts=== Shugyo in [martial arts](/source/martial_arts), particularly in the [Shōtōkai](/source/Sh%C5%8Dt%C5%8Dkai) and [Kyokushin](/source/Kyokushin) styles of [Karate](/source/Karate), it is a form of extreme [spiritual discipline](/source/spiritual_discipline). ===Yoga=== {{main|Surya Namaskara}} In modern [yoga](/source/yoga) practice, "sun salutations" (''sūrya namaskāra'') are a regular part of practitioners' routines. Such a practice may be used for both maintaining physical well-being and [spiritual attainment](/source/Sadhana). ===Yoruba Ìdọ̀bálẹ̀ and Ìkúnlẹ̀=== In traditional and contemporary [Yoruba culture](/source/Yoruba_culture), younger male family and community members greet elders by assuming a position called "''ìdọ̀bálẹ̀''". The traditional, full Yoruba prostration involves the prostrator lying down almost prone with his feet extended behind his torso while the rest of his weight is propped up on both hands. This traditional form is being replaced by a more informal bow and touching the fingertips to the floor in front of an elder with one hand, while bending slightly at the knee. The female form of the greeting is the "''ìkúnlẹ̀''", a form of kneeling where the younger party bows to one or both knees in front of an elder relative or community member. Both gestures are widely practiced; to not perform them would be considered ill-mannered. Modified versions of both greetings are also common in traditional Yoruba religious and cultural contexts in the [African diaspora](/source/African_diaspora), particularly in Brazil and Cuba. == See also == * [Bowing](/source/Bowing) * [Genuflection](/source/Genuflection) * [Kowtow](/source/Kowtow) * ''[Salat](/source/Salat)'' * [Subordinate](/source/Hierarchy) * ''[Zemnoy poklon](/source/Zemnoy_poklon)'' ==Notes and references== {{reflist}} == External links == *[https://www.clarionreview.org/2013/12/stand-bow-prostrate-the-prayerful-body-of-coptic-christianity Stand, Bow, Prostrate: The Prayerful Body of Coptic Christianity by Bishoy Dawood - Clarion Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813184606/https://www.clarionreview.org/2013/12/stand-bow-prostrate-the-prayerful-body-of-coptic-christianity/ |date=13 August 2023 }} *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd66Zx8ED90 Prostrations in Oriental Orthodox Christianity demonstrated by a Coptic Monk] *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4FaqRa1KFE Prostrations in Orthodox Christianity by Fr. Seraphim Holland - St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church] {{Gestures}} Category:Human positions Category:Prayer Category:Gestures of respect Category:Sacramentals --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Prostration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostration) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostration?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.