The Origin of the Handshake

Down the centuries of human existence, several social customs have emerged out of both necessity and leisure. And the “handshake” is one custom that encompasses both.

Did you know that handshaking is an ancient ritual? Documented evidence traces it to Egypt of 2800 B.C. Noted historian Charles Panati, dates the handshake to an even earlier period, and opines that since the right hand is the weapon hand, presenting it open and without a sword came to symbolize an offer of peace and acceptance. To the ancient Greeks it was a welcoming sign of friendliness, hospitality, and trust.

Herbert Spencer, the renowned scholar and sociologist puts forth an interesting anecdote of how two Arabs meet in a desert. They each reach for the other’s hand to kiss it in greeting. However, since it derogatory to have your hand kissed by another individual, therefore both men try to withdraw their hand from the lips of the other. Ultimately both men agree that they wouldn’t kiss each other’s hand, and end up merely clasping hands, and thus the handshake is born.

Did you also know that the practice of shaking hands was prevalent in medieval Europe, where kings and knights would extend their hands to each other, and grasp the others hand to show that none of them possessed concealed weapons thereby intending no harm or malice to the other?

Though archaic in origin, the handshake is still the accepted form of greeting in modern-day societies across the globe. In both social and business situations, the handshake is of utmost importance. The handshake may appear little more than a formality to some, but to others it is a complete view into the psyche and personality of the individual at the other end.

The act of shaking hands requires focused interaction. A person interacts with another person directly and pays attention to the responses and social cues given by that person. This in order to show that both parties recognize the interaction actually taking place, and finally drawing to a close. In the business world, handshakes mark the beginning as well as the end of business meetings, interviews. It is used whenever people wish to convey that they have entered into an interaction and are ready to listen and respond to what the other person has to say.

Why is the handshake so important in the business world? Why do meetings between diplomats generally end with a handshake? Why are handshakes part of the rituals in secret orders and fraternities?

As a matter of fact, the handshake represents a sense of equality. For instance when diplomats meet to discuss a peace initiative or a strategic alliance, a handshake ushers in a sense of equality, levels the playing field and ensures that the proceedings take place smoothly, utterly devoid of feelings of inequality.

Handshake is a binding agreement; the very touch and feel of the other person’s hand in yours, becomes a tangible experience; the direct physical contact lowers the invisible barrier between people, and helps to build mutual trust and confidence.

Many of you might know that there are many kinds of handshakes and each type is replete with great significance, conveying a distinct message to the other individual.

For instance the firm hand shake depicts refinement, self-confidence, vigour and professionalism.

The knuckle crunching handshake shows that the person is earnest but nervous. Instead of conveying warmth through a tight grip of your hand, he or she only causes you pain. The person also possibly lacks sensitivity.

In a dead fish handshake the other person places a limp, lifeless hand in yours. He /she sends out a negative message, besides projecting a lacklustre personality.

In a pumping handshake, the individual is overly eager as well as insecure. He /she does not know when to quit, and unsure of what to do next. So he /she just keeps vigorously shaking your hand along with the entire arm, up and down. Bound to make you feel foolish.

In what is known as the sanitary handshake, the person barely put three or four fingers in your hand and withdraws quickly, as if afraid of catching a deadly disease. Such people appear timid and sheepish.

In a condolence handshake, the person comes across as too familiar - clasping your right arm or hand with his or her left hand.This behaviour may be appropriate at a funeral, but in the world of business or at a social gathering, it would appear condescending and highly inappropriate.

Did you know that earlier it was considered courteous for men to wait for women to extend their hand? However that is not the case today. Either women or men may initiate the handshake. Also, both men and women should rise to shake hands. Regardless of gender, rising to greet someone is a compliment; it shows energy and eagerness to interact.