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.

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.

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.