From Primal Instinct to Coordinated Cheer

The exact age of clapping is uncertain, but it's a widespread custom across human cultures. It's theorized that the origins of applause lie far back in mankind's evolutionary history, potentially serving as a primitive way to attract attention, establish focus within a group, express unease, or even intimidate potential threats, long before the development of complex language. Some theories suggest it evolved from primates slapping their own bodies in states of excitement, developing into a more controlled and consistent sound for communication. Intriguingly, it's even been suggested that clapping and stamping might have contributed to the first systematic music produced by human beings.

Ancient Echoes: Rome and Beyond

The earliest concrete evidence of clapping as a sign of appreciation can be found in the Bible, specifically during the coronation of King Joash in 2 Kings 11:12, a text written over 2,500 years ago in the 6th century BCE. The ancient Romans, renowned for their public spectacles, developed intricate rituals for expressing approval. These included snapping fingers and thumbs, clapping with flat or hollow palms, and even waving toga flaps. Emperor Aurelian, who ruled from AD 270 to 275, innovated by distributing napkins (orarium) for the Roman populace to wave in place of togas, further standardizing expressions of approval. At the conclusion of plays, Roman actors would famously exclaim "Valete et plaudite!" (farewell and applaud), prompting the audience to respond with a chanted approval.

The Rise of Professional Applauders and Cultural Variations

A fascinating development in the history of applause was the emergence of the 'claquer' system. Originating in ancient Greece in the 4th century BC, individuals were hired by theaters to strategically clap, cry, or laugh to sway audience reactions and influence judges. This practice extended to the Roman Empire, where figures like Emperor Nero famously employed thousands of paid applauders, known as 'Augustiani' or 'laudiceni' (meaning 'people who clapped for their dinner'), to create the illusion of widespread public support during his appearances. While clapping is often considered a 'human universal,' its specific forms and meanings vary significantly across cultures. For instance, in deaf culture, appreciation is visually expressed by raising hands with outstretched fingers and twisting wrists. Meanwhile, a rhythmic slow handclap in Norway signifies approval, a stark contrast to its potential meaning of displeasure in the UK. Other cultures have employed alternative gestures, such as the Coast Salish peoples who traditionally raised their arms with palms facing themselves as a sign of respect and admiration.