when was the habit of clapping hand for applaud started ?

Answer 1

While it's impossible to pinpoint an exact origin, Take Our Word For It notes that clapping for praise has been around since at least the Middle Ages. Early mentions of the practice coincide with the advent of public performances, usually by traveling bands of actors in town squares.
Metafilter says that folks have been clapping for joy since Biblical times. According to Yahoo! Reference, the word "clap" comes from the Old Norse "klappa." It's a classic example of onomatopoeia.

Some believe clapping may have been inspired by the percussion instruments used in early public ceremonies, while others note the act appears to be an instinct in babies.

In many cultures, however, clapping isn't necessarily associated with praise. In Tibet, it's used to shoo away evil spirits. And in other cultures, foot stomping is considered the appropriate response to a great performance.

Answer 2

The custom of applauding may be as old and as widespread as humanity, and the variety of its forms is limited only by the capacity for devising means of making a noise. Within each culture, however, it is usually subject to conventions. The Romans had a set ritual of applause for public performances, expressing degrees of approval: snapping the finger and thumb, clapping with the flat or hollow palm, waving the flap of the toga, for which last the emperor Aurelian substituted a handkerchief (orarium), distributed to all Roman citizens. In the theatre, at the close of the play, the chief actor called out "Valete et plaudite!", and the audience, guided by an unofficial choregus, chaunted their applause antiphonally. This was often organized and paid for.

Answer 3

My guess is it's from the Military.

I've seen scenes in movies set in Rome or some Ancient Time when all the soldiers would bang swords against their shields. I think that's where it started -- then, at the theater and empty-handed they just clapped!

Answer 4

It's in the Bible, e.g.

They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:11-13 NIV)

Answer 5

My females have been a sprint previous due commencing those issues... possibly around 10-11 mos or so, yet if you consider that they grew to become a million its like a "advance up" swap has been grew to become on, and that they do all varieties of issues they could no longer do in the past. *sniff* they advance up so quickly!!!!

Answer 6

It is a natural human reaction; when pleased babies clap and no one shows them how to do it

Answer 7

i don't know....