Kowtow (simplified: 叩头, traditional: 叩頭, pinyin: Kòutóu, jyutping: Kau3 tau4), also written as 磕头 (kētóu), was a prostration where the forehead touched the ground. This gesture expressed deep respect, apology, submission, or gratitude, appearing throughout wuxia fiction in contexts requiring profound deference.
This article discusses kowtow as it appears across wuxia fiction. Kowtow appears in works by Jin Yong, Gu Long, Liang Yusheng, and other wuxia authors as a standard element of traditional Chinese etiquette. While specific contexts vary by novel and author, the basic form and function remain consistent throughout the genre.
Overview
The kowtow represented one of the deepest forms of respect in traditional Chinese culture. The gesture involved kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground, demonstrating complete submission or profound reverence to the recipient.
Common contexts
The kowtow appeared in numerous contexts within the jianghu:
- Disciples paying respects to their shifu during formal ceremonies or important occasions
- Apologising for serious transgressions or mistakes
- Expressing gratitude for life-saving actions or profound kindness
- Submitting to authority or acknowledging defeat
- Paying respects at graves or memorials
Master-disciple relationships
The kowtow’s association with master-disciple relationships reflected its role in formalising the bond between shifu and disciple. When disciples performed kowtow, they demonstrated submission, respect, and recognition of their master’s authority and wisdom.
This gesture often appeared during acceptance ceremonies when a master formally recognised a new disciple, marking the beginning of their relationship within the martial lineage. The kowtow sealed the relationship and established the disciple’s place within the school’s hierarchy.
Variations
Beyond the standard single kowtow, several variations expressed different levels of reverence.
Three kowtows
The three kowtows (三叩 sān kòu) involved three prostrations performed in sequence, representing significant but not ultimate reverence. This variation appeared in contexts requiring substantial respect but not the full formality of the grand kowtow.
Six kowtows
The six kowtows (六叩 liù kòu) consisted of six prostrations, effectively two sets of three, expressing even greater respect than three kowtows alone. This variation provided a middle ground between standard kowtow and grand kowtow.
Grand kowtow
The grand kowtow (三跪九叩 sān guì jiǔ kòu) represented the highest level of reverence in traditional Chinese etiquette. The gesture involved three separate kneelings, each followed by three head-knockings for a total of nine head-knockings, creating an elaborate ceremony of profound respect.
This grand kowtow was reserved for the most sacred or authoritative recipients:
- The emperor or imperial authority
- Heaven or celestial powers
- Founding masters or legendary figures
- Extreme circumstances requiring ultimate expression of respect or supplication
The gesture’s elaborate nature reflected the profound respect or desperation motivating its performance—rarely used casually, it signalled situations of utmost importance or reverence. Its appearance in wuxia fiction often marked pivotal moments where characters acknowledged ultimate authority or sought extraordinary assistance.
Kneeling bow
The kneeling bow (跪拜 guìbài) represented respectful kneeling without forehead contact with the ground. This gesture expressed significant respect without the complete submission of the full kowtow.
Hierarchy of prostration
The progression from simple kneeling to grand kowtow reflected increasing levels of reverence:
- Kneeling bow (跪拜) — Respectful kneeling without forehead contact
- Single kowtow (叩头) — One prostration with forehead touching ground
- Three kowtows (三叩) — Three prostrations in sequence
- Six kowtows (六叩) — Six prostrations
- Grand kowtow (三跪九叩) — Three kneelings with nine head-knockings total
These variations allowed for nuanced expression of respect levels, enabling characters to match the formality of their gesture to the context and relationship involved.
Behind the scenes
Historical foundation
Kowtow derived from ancient Chinese ritual practice, formalised during the Zhou dynasty and continuing through imperial China. The gesture served political, religious, and social functions, expressing submission to authority and reverence for ancestors.
The grand kowtow became particularly associated with imperial audiences, where subjects performed the elaborate three-kneeling, nine-kowtow ceremony before the emperor. This practice became controversial during Qing dynasty diplomatic encounters when Western envoys resisted performing kowtow to the emperor.
Literary significance
In wuxia fiction, kowtow serves multiple narrative functions:
- Formalising relationships: The kowtow during acceptance ceremonies establishes master-disciple bonds
- Expressing desperation: Characters performing kowtow to beg for mercy or assistance demonstrate extreme circumstances
- Acknowledging defeat: Kowtow signals complete submission after combat
- Honouring the dead: Kowtow at graves demonstrates respect for ancestors and fallen masters
The depth and frequency of kowtow reveals character relationships, power dynamics, and emotional stakes within scenes.
Translation considerations
“Kowtow” has entered English vocabulary directly from Chinese, making it the standard translation. The term conveys the gesture’s cultural weight better than alternatives like “prostration” or “bowing to the ground”.
When translating specific variations, clarity about the number of prostrations helps readers understand the precise level of reverence being expressed.