Handshake
A handshake is a brief hand-to-hand gesture used worldwide as a greeting, sign of agreement, or social ritual. This article explains forms, history, social rules, and common variations.
Overview
A handshake is a brief, typically palm-to-palm grasp between two people, often accompanied by an up-and-down or slight back-and-forth movement before release. In many societies it functions as a formal greeting, parting gesture, or a way to seal a deal. It can accompany spoken courtesies such as hello or other salutations and is widely recognized as a nonverbal cue of acknowledgment and respect.
Image gallery
10 Images
Characteristics and technique
Handshakes vary in pressure, duration, and hand placement. A firm handshake is interpreted in some cultures as confident; in others, a gentler touch is preferred. Typical elements include eye contact, a brief introductory grip, and one to three vertical motions. Etiquette differs on whether the initiator is the more senior person, and whether both participants offer bare hands; gloves are generally removed for a conventional handshake.
History and cultural development
The gesture has ancient roots: written and visual records show hand-holding or hand-clasping used to indicate peaceful intent, hospitality, or mutual obligation in diverse regions. Over centuries the form evolved into a short ritualized gesture linked to social contracts and public introductions. While the fundamental idea is widespread, regional customs produce many local variants and associated meanings.
Social contexts and variations
Uses for handshakes include greeting, making agreements, introductions, and signaling congratulations. In formal business settings a handshake often accompanies a verbal agreement or contract signing; it can serve as a symbolic confirmation of trust and intent to honor terms, similar to a verbal agreement. In private life people may exchange hand-holding as an intimate gesture, and some couples use a handshake-like touch between romantic partners (romantic partners).
Etiquette, gender, and alternatives
Customs about who shakes hands with whom have changed over time. In some cultures men historically avoided shaking hands with women; contemporary norms vary by region and situation, with many places accepting a handshake if a woman extends her hand first. Family members and close friends may prefer alternatives such as a hug or a kiss on the cheek (hugs, kisses) depending on intimacy and local practice.
Secret grips and notable facts
Beyond public uses, small groups and organizations sometimes employ distinctive or concealed grips as recognition signals; such ritualized forms are commonly called secret handshakes and have been associated with clubs, societies, and fraternities (secret societies). Modern public health concerns can alter handshake frequency; alternatives like nods, bows, or elbow taps have risen in periods when close contact is discouraged.
- Key functions: greeting, agreement, respect, ritual.
- Variation by culture: firmness, duration, who initiates.
- Alternatives: nods, bows, embraces depending on context.
Background
When shaking hands, the participants take a sample of the smell of the other person. Scientists have found that people often bring a hand to their face after greeting someone. The reason for this is the analysis of the body's own scents transmitted during handshaking.
History
The tradition of shaking hands was already known in the Roman Empire. On Roman coins, handshakes can be found as a symbol of harmony. In the time of the Republic, the gesture was only customary at a reunion after a long absence or as an expression of special solidarity. It was not until the imperial period that it became more common. In the New Testament, Paul's letter to the Galatians (written about 50 AD) mentions that Paul was given the "right hand of friendship" when he left Jerusalem. The custom probably came into its present form through the Quakers in the 17th century as a simplifying and more equal form of greeting (etiquette).
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Handshake Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/42189