The word Kowtow is derived from 叩頭/叩头 (Jyutping: kau3 tau4; pinyin: kòutóu). An alternative Chinese term is 磕頭/磕头 (pinyin: kētóu; Jyutping: hap6 tau4); however, the meaning is somewhat altered: 叩 has the … See more

The kowtow, and other traditional forms of reverence, were much maligned after the May Fourth Movement. Today, only vestiges of the traditional usage of the kowtow remain. In many situations, the standing bow has replaced the kowtow. For example, some, … See more

The word "kowtow" came into English in the early 19th century to describe the bow itself, but its meaning soon shifted to describe any abject … See more

• The dictionary definition of kowtow at Wiktionary See more

In Imperial Chinese protocol, the kowtow was performed before the Emperor of China. Depending on the situation's solemnity, different kowtow grades would be used. In the most solemn of ceremonies, for example, at the coronation of a new Emperor, … See more

Prostration is a general practice in Buddhism, and not restricted to China. The kowtow is often performed in groups of three before Buddhist statues and images or tombs of the dead. In Buddhism it is more commonly termed either "worship with the … See more

• Chinese social relations
• Culture of China
• Dogeza
• Emoticons for posture
• Finger kowtow: See more