Curious about what the ๐Ÿ™ (praying hands) emoji really means? Also known as the folded hands emoji, this emoji can symbolize many things depending on context. Weโ€™ve put together an easy guide, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the ๐Ÿ™ (praying hands) emoji and what it means.

Section 1 of 2:

๐Ÿ™ (Praying Hands) Emoji Meanings

  1. 1
    Praying. A ๐Ÿ™ 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]
    • โ€œWe are praying for a fast recovery ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ’•โ€
    • โ€œCanโ€™t wait for Sundayโ€™s service! โœ๏ธ๐Ÿ™โ€
  2. 2
    Gratitude. A ๐Ÿ™ may be added to a thankful message to show appreciation. This symbol of hope says โ€œpleaseโ€ or โ€œthank youโ€ in Japanese culture or โ€œnamasteโ€ in Indian cultures. Because of this, ๐Ÿ™ can be used when expressing everyday gratitude.[2]
    • โ€œBeyond thankful for these guys ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ™โ€
    • โ€œBlessed to have this view for morning yoga ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿ™๐ŸŒณโ€
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  3. 3
    A high-five. Your friend may send you a ๐Ÿ™ when theyโ€™re proud of you. Since theyโ€™re 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 peopleโ€™s hands coming together for a high-five, while others believe theyโ€™re one personโ€™s hands held together in prayer.
    • โ€œProud of you dude ๐Ÿ™โ€
    • โ€œWeโ€™re in this together! ๐Ÿ™โ€
  4. 4
    A friendly greeting. In Japanese culture, a ๐Ÿ™ can represent a polite โ€œhelloโ€ or โ€œgoodbye.โ€ This emoji symbolizes the act of bowing when meeting or leaving.
    • โ€œItโ€™s so great to virtually meet you ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ˜ƒโ€
    • โ€œHave a good day! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™โ€
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Section 2 of 2:

How to Use the ๐Ÿ™ (Praying Hands) Emoji

  1. 1
    When youโ€™re praying: If youโ€™re sending an encouraging message or hopeful wishes, add a ๐Ÿ™ to the end of your message. This shows that youโ€™re praying or hoping for the best outcome. You can also use the ๐Ÿ™ in this context when talking about religion.
    • โ€œI canโ€™t believe this happened. Itโ€™s devastating ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ’”โ€
    • โ€œIโ€™m praying for you and your family. God will help guide you ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ™โ€
  2. 2
    When youโ€™re grateful: Use a ๐Ÿ™ when youโ€™re showing appreciation or thanks. Maybe you're expressing gratitude for a friend, teacher, or relative. Add a ๐Ÿ™ to your message to emphasize positive feelings.
    • โ€œDonโ€™t know where Iโ€™d be without these guys โค๏ธ๐Ÿ™โ€
    • โ€œSo thankful for the Class of 2021 ๐Ÿ™๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ‰โ€
  3. 3
    When you would give someone a high-five IRL: Encourage a friend with a virtual high-five when theyโ€™re feeling low. The hand-slapping gesture can put anyone in a good mood, so use the ๐Ÿ™ to send along some positive vibes! Throw it into a conversation where you would give out a high-five in real life.[3]
    • โ€œThatโ€™s epic! Give me five, bro! ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ™โ€
    • โ€œThis is fantastic ๐Ÿ™โ€
  4. 4
    When youโ€™re greeting someone: Send a ๐Ÿ™ 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.
    • โ€œHi! My nameโ€™s Sally. Itโ€™s so nice to meet you ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™โ€
    • โ€œI hope you have a great weekend ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ™โ€
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About This Article

Aly Rusciano
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
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. Alyโ€™s 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. This article has been viewed 24,677 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: March 7, 2022
Views:ย 24,677
Categories: Emoticons and Emojis
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