Grip Of History: The Story Behind The World’s Most Famous Gesture, Handshake

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Simple gestures can make a big difference. When you meet someone for the first time, what's the first thing you do? You introduce yourself and often shake hands-it's a gesture that instantly creates a sense of welcome. While handshakes might vary across the globe, they've become a universal sign of connection. We don't just shake hands when we meet someone; we use this gesture to congratulate others, or to wish them a happy birthday or anniversary. But have you ever wondered about the origin of this iconic gesture? Let's take a step back in time to find out.

Handshakes Around The World

The handshake, a gesture dating back to ancient Greece, has long been a symbol of respect and agreement, depicted in 5th Century BC art like Greek pottery. It remains a common practice in politics, sports, and business worldwide, though the refusal to shake hands-like when Trump and Clinton skipped this gesture during a 2016 debate-can stand out as a deliberate sign of tension. While the handshake is prevalent, some countries use other traditional greetings; for instance, Japan favours bowing, while in Thailand, the Namaste involves a slight bow with hands pressed together.

Handshake, A Trust Symbol

The handshake, a gesture with deep historical roots, dates back to at least the ninth century B.C., where it appeared in Assyrian and Babylonian culture as a symbol of alliance. Ancient texts like The Iliad and The Odyssey mention it in contexts of trust and loyalty, while Roman coins often depicted clasped hands to signify friendship. Its origins may stem from practical reasons: by extending an open right hand, individuals demonstrated they were unarmed, fostering a sense of security. Additionally, the shake itself may have served to dislodge any concealed weapons, further ensuring peaceful intentions.

The Handshake Ritual

Walter Burkert noted that while agreements can be verbally expressed, they gain significance through ritual gestures, such as a handshake, which symbolizes a sacred bond between individuals. The handshake, believed to have been popularized by 17th-century Quakers for its egalitarian nature, became a common greeting by the 1800s, with etiquette manuals detailing proper technique. An 1877 guide cautioned against overly forceful handshakes, highlighting the importance of respect in this simple yet meaningful gesture.

Handshakes post COVID

As life moves forward post COVID-19, many experts believe the handshake may have faded into history, a relic of a time when such contact was riskier. Now, alternatives like clasping one's own hands, back pats, foot taps, waves, or even eye contact have gained popularity. For some, these new greetings are a welcome relief from the awkwardness of handshakes, while others feel the loss of a traditional gesture that once symbolized connection and goodwill.

Shaking hands has long been a key element in business interactions, symbolizing good intentions and trust, as noted by UC Berkeley professor Juliana Schroeder, . Her research shows that handshakes promote a sense of cooperation and commitment, making individuals more inclined to work together during negotiations.

However, the handshake is not universally embraced; in many Asian countries, bowing is common, while other cultures have unique greeting practices, such as shoulder touching in Ethiopia or nose touching among the Maori in New Zealand. In the US, handshakes are declining in popularity, with a survey revealing that 49% of Americans now prefer fist bumps, largely due to germ concerns after the pandemic, which has also led to the rise of elbow bumps as an alternative greeting.