folded hands
Unicode: 1F64F
Description
Two hands pressed together, fingers pointing upwards, in a gesture commonly associated with prayer or gratitude.
Group:
People & Body > hands
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Typically represents gratitude, respect, prayer, hope, or pleading. Can also signify a 'high five' or a polite bow in some contexts.
Backstory
This emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010). Its primary interpretation is often linked to the 'folded hands' gesture, which has deep roots in various spiritual and cultural traditions around the world. It is sometimes misinterpreted by users as a high-five, largely due to the varying skin tones available and the visual ambiguity for some.
Usage Examples
- Expressing gratitude: 'Thanks for your help! 🙏'
- Pleading for something: 'Please let me go! 🙏'
- Wishing good luck or hope: 'Fingers crossed for your exam! 🙏'
- Showing respect (e.g., to elders): 'Respectfully acknowledged 🙏'
- Prayer: 'Praying for peace 🙏'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Often used for prayer, thanks, or as a pleading gesture ('fingers crossed').
East Asian culture:
Commonly used for 'please' or 'thank you' (gassho/wai), especially in Buddhist contexts, or as a sign of respect.