“抱拳礼”是什么意思？What does holding fist represent in China?

Holding fist, or 抱拳礼 (bào quán lǐ) is a form of ritual derived from Chinese martial arts (中国武术, zhōng guó wǔ shù). Traditionally, it is practiced by:

Standing upright, with the body straight. (身体保持直立, shēn tǐ bǎo chí zhí lì)
Clenching the right fist. (握紧右拳, wò jǐn yòu quán)
Straightening your left palm to have four fingers in a plane (左手四指并拢伸直成掌, zuǒ shǒu sì zhǐ bìng lǒng shēn zhí chéng zhǎng)
Wrapping the left four fingers together around the right fist (左掌心掩贴在右拳面上, zuǒ zhǎng xīn yǎn tiē zài yòu quán miàn shàng)
Placing the two hands in front of your chest, without bringing the elbows up (双手拳掌在胸前，肘尖略下垂 shuāng shǒu quán zhǎng zài xiōng qián , zhǒu jiān lüè xià chuí)

There are two traditional explanations for this practice (“抱拳礼”的两种传统内涵“bào quán lǐ”de liǎng zhǒng chuán tǒng nèi hán).

1.The left palm with its 4 fingers represent the 4 nurturing elements (左手伸直的四指代表四种品德, zuǒ shǒu shēn zhí de sì zhǐ dài biǎo sì zhǒng pǐn dé): Virtue, Wisdom, Health, and Art (德、智、体、美, dé、zhì、tǐ、měi); all of which symbolize the spirit of martial arts. The left thumb is slightly bent to imply one should never be arrogant or self-centered (屈拢的大拇指表示不骄傲、不以“老大自居”, qū lǒng de dà mǔ zhǐ biǎo shì bù jiāo ào、bù yǐ“lǎo dà zì jū”). The right fist symbolizes rigorous practice (右手紧握成拳表示勇猛习武、不断成长, yòu shǒu jǐn wò chéng quán biǎo shì yǒng měng xí wǔ、bù duàn chéng zhǎng). Since the right hand is clenched in a fist, it symbolizes attack; while the left, being virtuous and disciplined, stops the attack and symbolizes self-discipline and restraint.

2. The left hand symbolizes the five major lakes of China and the fist represents the four seas surrounding the country. The two hands together show the unity of martial artists. This is exemplified in the saying 五湖四海皆兄弟 (wǔ hú sì hǎi jiē xiōng dì), which literally means "The people of the five lakes and four seas are all brothers."

The salute is commonly used to express greetings, congratulations and good wishes. Situations in which the Holding Fist are used are as follows:

At every major event or festival, such as the Spring Festival (春节, chūn jié). We often show respect through performing the Holding Fist when we meet our relatives, friends or colleagues.

On festive occasions, such as weddings or birthday parties, guests can "Hold Fist" to congratulate the hosts.

At farewell parties, people often "Hold Fist" while saying "Take care!" to one another. Occasionally, we "Hold Fist" to request forgiveness.

When we show our regards through holding fist, we also use special words and expressions, such as:

节日快乐 (jié rì kuài lè) Happy holidays.

恭喜 (gōng xǐ) Congratulations!

久仰 (jiǔ yǎng) I've heard so much about you.

保重 (bǎo zhòng) Take care!

来源：Learning Mandarin Chinese
编辑：万月英