What is the origin of hand-clapping to show applause?

It seems to be a natural human response to something they find pleasing. I was made aware of this when I saw a video of the geiser Old Faithful erupt. When it had finished, the people who had watched it all started clapping their hands just like they would for a live human performer. Small children often clap their hands together when they see something like a puppy or kitten. It must be hard wired into the way we react to things around us.