clapping

[sophie_1003]

why do we clap to show appreciation?

[Clanad]

The why is probably unknown. It does seem to be somewhat cultural... in some socities clapping the hands is used only to chase away evil or bad spirits. It does seem to be a fairly late way of showing appreciation, however. In print, one source says it was the 14th century Chaucer who first referenced the habit in The Franklin's Tale...

[Haggisdj]

Saw a documentary about it once. One train of thought is that it's primeval. There were chimpanzees clapping and stuff...

[ilovetaz]

because... urm....we clap to....erm....we....um- good question

[Yingying1987]

Applause is meant to have initiall started by the aristocrats of the 18th century. They applauded at operas to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the plots. By clapping they showed 'appreciation' over a certain act which would not be understood by the peasants.

This evolved around the world to demonstrate 'knowledge' and wealth in other societies.

Nowadays it can be used to celebrate sucess or to show sarcasm... I know I use it for both!

(copied it off another forum i use)

[Yingying1987]

Applause is meant to have initiall started by the aristocrats of the 18th century. They applauded at operas to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the plots. By clapping they showed 'appreciation' over a certain act which would not be understood by the peasants.

This evolved around the world to demonstrate 'knowledge' and wealth in other societies.

Nowadays it can be used to celebrate sucess or to show sarcasm... I know I use it for both!

(copied from another forum i use)