This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Aly Rusciano is a Creative Writer based outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Alyโs writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre.
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Curious about what the ๐ (praying hands) emoji really means? Also known as the folded hands emoji, this emoji can symbolize many things depending on context. Weโve put together an easy guide, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the ๐ (praying hands) emoji and what it means.
Steps
๐ (Praying Hands) Emoji Meanings
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1Praying. A ๐ is most commonly known as a religious symbol. It is a sign of hope and spirituality. Someone may use this emoji after sending well wishes or talking about their religious beliefs.[1]
- โWe are praying for a fast recovery ๐๐โ
- โCanโt wait for Sundayโs service! โ๏ธ๐โ
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2Gratitude. A ๐ may be added to a thankful message to show appreciation. This symbol of hope says โpleaseโ or โthank youโ in Japanese culture or โnamasteโ in Indian cultures. Because of this, ๐ can be used when expressing everyday gratitude.[2]
- โBeyond thankful for these guys ๐ฅฐ๐โ
- โBlessed to have this view for morning yoga ๐ง๐๐ณโ
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3A high-five. Your friend may send you a ๐ when theyโre proud of you. Since theyโre not with you IRL, they can give you a virtual high-five. This usage is up for debate. Some people argue that the emoji shows two different peopleโs hands coming together for a high-five, while others believe theyโre one personโs hands held together in prayer.
- โProud of you dude ๐โ
- โWeโre in this together! ๐โ
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4A friendly greeting. In Japanese culture, a ๐ can represent a polite โhelloโ or โgoodbye.โ This emoji symbolizes the act of bowing when meeting or leaving.
- โItโs so great to virtually meet you ๐๐โ
- โHave a good day! ๐๐โ
How to Use the ๐ (Praying Hands) Emoji
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1When youโre praying: If youโre sending an encouraging message or hopeful wishes, add a ๐ to the end of your message. This shows that youโre praying or hoping for the best outcome. You can also use the ๐ in this context when talking about religion.
- โI canโt believe this happened. Itโs devastating ๐๐โ
- โIโm praying for you and your family. God will help guide you ๐๐โ
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2When youโre grateful: Use a ๐ when youโre showing appreciation or thanks. Maybe you're expressing gratitude for a friend, teacher, or relative. Add a ๐ to your message to emphasize positive feelings.
- โDonโt know where Iโd be without these guys โค๏ธ๐โ
- โSo thankful for the Class of 2021 ๐๐๐โ
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3When you would give someone a high-five IRL: Encourage a friend with a virtual high-five when theyโre feeling low. The hand-slapping gesture can put anyone in a good mood, so use the ๐ to send along some positive vibes! Throw it into a conversation where you would give out a high-five in real life.[3]
- โThatโs epic! Give me five, bro! ๐๐โ
- โThis is fantastic ๐โ
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4When youโre greeting someone: Send a ๐ as a polite hello or even a goodbye. The praying hands emoji is a representation of a traditional Japanese greeting. Use this emoji to set a good impression and spread a little positivity.
- โHi! My nameโs Sally. Itโs so nice to meet you ๐๐โ
- โI hope you have a great weekend ๐๐โ