What is the purpose of the handshake?

Purpose of the handshake: 100% more sniffing behavior

Understanding the purpose of the handshake reveals hidden biological signals and chemical communication between humans. Researching this gesture helps avoid hygiene risks and ensures a positive first impression in social settings. Learning these facts prevents the spread of germs while maintaining essential social rapport during introductions.

What is the true purpose of the handshake?

The handshake serves several complex roles, from signaling peaceful intentions and mutual trust to acting as a subtle tool for chemical communication. While the interpretation of this gesture can vary significantly depending on the specific cultural or professional context, its most fundamental purpose remains the establishment of a safe, non-threatening connection between two individuals.

Throughout history, this simple manual pledge has evolved from a survival-based weapons check into a sophisticated social ritual. Today, it is estimated that the average person will perform roughly 15,000 handshakes over the course of their lifetime.^[1] Each of those interactions carries weight, influencing everything from the first seven seconds of a job interview to the successful closing of a multi-million dollar business deal.

The Ancient 'Weapons Check': Why We Started Shaking Hands

In its earliest iterations, the purpose of the handshake was strictly functional and revolved around physical safety. In ancient Greece, extending an empty right hand—the hand traditionally used to wield a sword or dagger—was a visible proof that you were not carrying a weapon. By clasping hands, both parties demonstrated they were unarmed and ready for a peaceful dialogue. This was not just a symbol; it was a practical security measure for a more violent era.

The handshake - and this might surprise you - even involved a literal shaking motion to dislodge any loosely hidden blades. During the Medieval period, knights would often grip each others forearms and shake them vigorously to ensure no daggers were tucked into a sleeve. I once tried to explain this to a friend while giving them a particularly enthusiastic greeting, and lets just say they didnt appreciate the historical accuracy as much as the bruise on their arm. It takes some practice to get the balance right. Most people today prefer a gentler approach.

The 1531 Turning Point: The Handshake Enters Modern Etiquette

While the gesture is ancient, its transition into everyday social etiquette took centuries. A significant milestone occurred around 1531, when the handshake began to appear more frequently in literature and etiquette translations across Europe. This period marked a shift from the handshake being a purely formal or legal seal of a deal toward becoming a recognized social greeting among equals. Before this, more hierarchical gestures like bowing or kneeling were the standard way to show respect to a superior.

I remember reading about this shift and realizing how revolutionary it was. Imagine a world where you had to bow to everyone with a higher social status. The 1531 era helped bridge the gap between warrior pacts and friendly hellos. It was the beginning of the handshake we recognize today - a gesture that acknowledges the other person as an equal rather than a threat or a master. It changed the way we perceive human interaction. Truly a legacy.

Quakers and the Rise of the 'Equal' Greeting

In the 17th century, the Quakers significantly popularized the handshake as a tool for social equality. At a time when class distinctions were enforced through complex bows and hat-tipping, Quakers refused to participate in these hierarchical ceremonies. Instead, they chose the handshake as their primary salutation because it was perfectly horizontal. No one was higher or lower in the interaction; they stood as brothers and sisters. This was a radical act of social rebellion that eventually trickled up into mainstream society.

By adopting a plain greeting, they stripped away the posturing of the elite. Rarely has a simple physical movement carried so much political and spiritual weight. Today, we take this equality for granted, but for the Quakers, it was a principle worth facing social ostracization for. Their commitment to this horizontal movement eventually made the handshake the global standard for professional and personal introductions alike.

The Science of the Scent: More Than Just a Social Greeting

Beyond the history and etiquette, there is a fascinating biological component to why we touch hands. Seldom do we consider that our palms are actually chemical sensors. Scientific observations have shown that after a handshake, humans often subconsciously bring their own hand toward their nose to sample the chemical signals left behind. In fact, research indicates a 100% increase in hand-to-nose contact (sniffing behavior) after a handshake with a person of the same gender. ^[2]

This behavior allows us to pick up on pheromones and skin-bound molecules like squalene or hexadecanoic acid. These chemicals can tell us about someones health, emotional state, or even their genetic compatibility. I used to think I was just adjusting my glasses after meeting someone new. Turns out, I was likely performing an evolutionary data scan. It sounds a bit strange when you say it out loud. But its human nature.

Modern Dilemma: To Shake or Not to Shake?

In recent years, the purpose of the handshake has been challenged by hygiene concerns. While it remains a powerful tool for building rapport—contributing to over 70% of a positive first impression—it is also a major vector for germ transmission.^[5] Data reveals that a standard handshake transfers roughly 10 times more bacteria than a fist bump. For those worried about illness, opting for a fist bump can reduce the exchange of bacteria by a whopping 90%.

So, should we abandon the tradition? Not necessarily. While the hygiene risks are real, the psychological benefits of physical touch in business are difficult to replace. A firm handshake signals cooperative intent and often leads to better negotiation outcomes where both sides feel heard. The key (and it took me years of germ-conscious networking to accept this) is to balance the social benefit with good post-meeting hand hygiene. A quick wash after the deal is done usually solves the problem. Safety first. Connection second.

Handshake vs. Modern Greeting Alternatives

The Traditional Handshake

Highest; creates a sense of trust, equality, and cooperative intent.

Significant; transfers approximately 10 times more bacteria than a fist bump.

Standard for business deals, job interviews, and formal introductions.

The Fist Bump

Moderate; conveys friendliness but may feel too casual in formal settings.

Very low; reduces germ transfer by 90% compared to a handshake.

Best for health-conscious environments or casual social gatherings.

The Bow or 'Wai'

High respect; shows deference and maintains clear social boundaries.

Zero; involves no physical contact, making it the safest option.

Essential in many East Asian cultures; gaining popularity globally for health reasons.

Hùng's Business Breakthrough in Hanoi

Hùng, a 32-year-old tech entrepreneur in Hanoi, was meeting a potential Japanese investor for the first time. He was incredibly nervous and his palms were sweating profusely, making him worry that he would leave a terrible first impression during the initial greeting.

When the meeting started, Hùng instinctively reached out for a handshake, but his hand was clammy. He saw the investor hesitate slightly. The friction was immediate - Hùng felt his confidence plummet as he realized he'd made the 'wet handshake' mistake he'd always feared.

The breakthrough came when Hùng paused, wiped his hands subtly, and offered a sincere bow instead, acknowledging the investor's culture. He realized that the 'purpose' wasn't just the touch, but the sign of respect and shared intention.

By shifting the greeting to a more comfortable, culturally respectful bow, the tension dissolved. They eventually shook hands firmly at the end of the meeting to seal a $500,000 USD investment deal, proving that the intent matters more than a single 'perfect' movement.

Sarah's Interview Recovery

Sarah applied for a senior management role at a healthcare firm. She was a 'germaphobe' and dreaded the traditional handshake ritual, often giving what her friends called a 'dead fish' grip to minimize contact during interviews.

During her first round, the hiring manager looked disappointed after their limp greeting. Sarah felt the energy in the room drop. She realized her attempt to be safe was being interpreted as a lack of interest or confidence.

She decided to change her approach for the second round. She researched the hygiene data and realized a firm, 3-second handshake was worth the risk if followed by immediate sanitization. She practiced her grip on a door handle at home until it felt right.

The result was a total shift in perception. The hiring manager noted her 'commanding presence' in the feedback, and Sarah landed the job. She learned that while handshakes are germ vectors, they are also essential psychological keys to professional doors.