I notice when I watch mass sometimes on tele that often the clergy put their hands together in the standard praying position for much of the service. Also, I see a couple of the laypeople do it sometimes, but mostly clergy (and monastics).
My first question is directed towards the Catholics present, my second is to the Orthodox.
1. When did this gesture come into use and what is the symbolism of this gesture?
2. Is this strictly a Latin gesture, or is it also done in Eastern Orthodoxy?