Why Do We Shake Hands? The Surprising History of Greetings

From business meetings to casual hellos, the handshake is a near-universal gesture of greeting, agreement, and respect. But have you ever wondered where this custom comes from — or why we use our hands at all?

The origins of the handshake may surprise you, stretching back thousands of years and evolving through cultures, traditions, and even military tactics. Let’s take a closer look at the history and psychology behind this familiar gesture.

A Symbol of Peace

Historians trace the handshake as far back as ancient Greece, around the 5th century BCE. In those early days, a handshake wasn’t just a polite hello — it was a symbol of peace. When two people extended their right hands (typically the weapon-holding hand), it was a gesture that proved they were not armed. It was a physical way to show trust and good intentions.

This simple act evolved into a sign of alliance, equality, and mutual respect.

The Roman Grip

The Romans had their own twist. Instead of a palm-to-palm shake, they often grabbed each other’s forearms — a method not only symbolic but also practical. This "forearm clasp" was another way to check for hidden daggers or weapons tucked into sleeves.

Over time, this movement gradually morphed into the handshake we recognize today.

Medieval Europe: Oaths and Honor

In medieval Europe, handshakes became more formalized, often used during ceremonies or legal oaths. Knights and nobles would shake hands to seal agreements or show mutual respect, continuing the tradition of ensuring neither side was concealing a weapon.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in England and colonial America, the handshake became a more common and egalitarian way of greeting, replacing bows and curtsies in everyday life.

The Modern Handshake

Today, the handshake is used worldwide in business, politics, and social interactions. It represents:

• Respect
• Agreement
• Equality
• Acknowledgment

In many professional settings, a firm handshake can make a powerful first impression, while in others, it's a polite form of greeting.

Pandemic Pause: Rethinking Touch

During the COVID-19 pandemic, handshakes took a backseat as people became more cautious about physical contact. Alternatives like elbow bumps and waves gained popularity. This brought renewed attention to how much of our social communication is built on tradition — and how quickly it can adapt when needed.

Global Differences in Greetings

While the handshake is common in many cultures, it's important to remember that greeting customs vary widely:

• In Japan, bowing is more traditional.
• In India, a “Namaste” with pressed palms shows respect.
• In parts of the Middle East, a hand placed over the heart may replace a handshake.
• In some African cultures, handshakes come with unique rhythms and multiple steps.

Understanding these differences is key to respectful intercultural communication.

The handshake is more than just a casual greeting — it’s a tradition rooted in history, psychology, and social norms. From ancient weapons checks to modern business deals, it continues to symbolize trust and connection.

In a world where technology changes how we interact, the humble handshake remains one of the most human ways to say, “I come in peace.”