Mano or Mano po is a gesture used in Filipino culture performed as a sign of respect to elders. Similar to hand-kissing, the person giving the greeting bows towards the offered hand of the elder and presses his or her forehead on the elder's hand. Usually performed with the right hand, the person showing respect may ask Mano po to the elder in order to ask permission to initiate the gesture. Typically someone may mano to his or her older relatives upon entry into their home or upon seeing them.
With regard to children and the Mano tradition. In an attempt to eradicate any form of unintentional disrespect within the tradition, it has been proposed[by whom?] that a child's parent(s) first be asked whether or not the child may bless an individual, rather than a person seeking a blessing by merely holding out their hand before the child to obtain it.
References [edit]
