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The clasped hands prayer gesture is ubiquous in Christianity. The hands are clasped together and held before the heart; it is a symbol of submission and sincerity.

This particular posture became associated with praying around the ninth century, it probably originated as a secular gesture of humilty and obediance.

The identical gesture is known as the anjali mudra (prayer gesture) in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, a sign of greeting, respect, and veneration.

Albrecht Durer's sketch of praying hands

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