What is the reason behind shaking hands?

Reason for shaking hands: Tradition vs. germ transmission

In a world more conscious of microbial spread, understanding the reason for shaking hands goes beyond tradition—it now involves navigating health risks. With germs easily spread through handshakes, knowing when to opt for alternatives protects you and others. Discover how this age-old custom adapts to modern hygiene awareness.

Why Do We Shake Hands? The Quick Answer

The reason for shaking hands is layered with history, but at its core, it’s a universal gesture of peace and trust. The most widely accepted theory is that it started as a way to show strangers you werent holding a weapon. By extending your right hand—the one that usually held a sword or dagger—you were proving you came in peace. Over centuries, this practical check evolved into a powerful symbol of greeting, agreement, and mutual respect thats recognized across the globe. (citation:2)(citation:6)

It's Not Just One Story: The Two Main Theories

There isnt just one single origin story, but two fascinating theories that blend together. The first, and most famous, is the weapons check theory. The second, often linked to the Quakers in the 17th century, sees the origin of shaking hands as a symbol of equality, where everyone greets each other in the same way, regardless of social status. (citation:7)

Lets be honest, the idea of checking for hidden weapons feels a bit medieval, right? Well, thats because it partly is. But its roots go back even further into the history of where did handshakes come from.

Ancient Origins: From Weapon Checks to Symbols of Alliance

The story of the handshake is a journey through time, with each era adding its own layer of meaning.

Ancient Greece and the First Handshake Art

One of the earliest and clearest pieces of evidence comes from 5th-century BC ancient greece handshake history. They called it dexiosis, and it wasnt just a casual hello. It was a profound symbol depicted on tombstones and art, representing a bond that lasted even in death. You can see it on funerary steles, where two soldiers or spouses are shown shaking hands, a powerful statement of their connection. (citation:2)(citation:5) For the Greeks, this gesture meant the two parties were equals—gods shook hands with gods, and warriors with warriors. (citation:5)

Think about that for a second. The idea of equality being baked into a handshake is thousands of years old.

The Roman Arm Clasp and Medieval Shake

The Romans had their own version, often more of an arm clasp. The idea was similar: youd grab the other persons forearm, making it impossible for either of you to draw a weapon. This practical purpose evolved further in Medieval Europe. This is where the shaking part of the handshake weapons theory is believed to have become popular. The theory? Knights would shake each others arms vigorously, not just to say hello, but to dislodge any daggers that might be hidden up their sleeves. (citation:4)(citation:8) It was a thorough, if a bit aggressive, security check. (citation:4)(citation:7)

The Modern Handshake: From Quaker Equality to Global Greeting

After the medieval period, the handshake faded in popularity, replaced by more formal gestures like tipping a hat or bowing. Its comeback in the Western world is largely credited to a religious group: the Quakers. In the 17th century, they championed the handshake as a more inclusive and egalitarian way to greet one another, rejecting the hierarchical bows and curtsies of the time. They brought this simple, powerful gesture to America, where it truly took root. (citation:7)

From there, it spread through trade and diplomacy, eventually becoming the standard greeting for business, sportsmanship, and formal agreements. In fact, understanding why do we shake hands is so powerful that it takes a considerable amount of continuous interaction to develop the same level of rapport that you get from a single, well-executed handshake. (citation:8) Its a potent tool for building an instant connection. (citation:8)

What a Handshake Really Says (Without Words)

A handshake is a form of non-verbal communication that speaks volumes. Its not just about grasping a hand; the style and position convey the meaning of a handshake through subtle messages about the relationship.

The Language of the Palm

The angle of your palm matters more than you might think. A palm-down handshake can be a subconscious signal of authority, suggesting a desire to take control. A palm-up handshake, on the other hand, can convey submission or a willingness to let the other person lead. The ideal, most common handshake is with palms vertical. This is the equal handshake, a silent agreement that youre meeting as peers, fostering cooperation, friendship, and trust. (citation:1)

More Than a Greeting

Beyond its role as a hello or goodbye, the reason for shaking hands serves many purposes. Its used to seal a deal—in some contexts, an agreement isnt considered official until the hands are parted. (citation:2) Its a gesture of congratulations, a show of good sportsmanship after a game, and a way to signal the end of an argument or the beginning of a truce. (citation:1)

Around the World in a Handshake: Cultural Variations

While the handshake is widespread, its far from a one-size-fits-all gesture. Knowing these nuances can save you from an awkward moment. For instance, in many Western cultures, a firm handshake with eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence. (citation:2) But in many Asian countries, like Japan, China, and Korea, a firm grip can be considered rude or aggressive; a weaker, softer handshake is preferred. (citation:2) In Korea, its also a sign of respect to support your right arm with your left hand while shaking hands. (citation:2)

In many Muslim-majority countries, men may not shake hands with women who are not family members, and a handshake, when it does occur, is often less firm than in the West. (citation:2) In some cultures, the handshake is just the beginning of the greeting. In Morocco, for example, a handshake with someone of the same gender is often followed by a kiss on each cheek. (citation:2) And in Liberia, you might encounter the snap handshake, where you snap your fingers against each others at the end of the shake. (citation:2)

The Hygiene Factor: Is the Handshake on Its Way Out?

Lets be real—shaking hands is a fantastic way to transfer germs. Its a well-known fact that handshakes can spread microbial pathogens. (citation:9) This concern isnt new, but it was thrust into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many to question the future of this age-old custom. A medical study even found that alternatives like fist bumps and high fives spread significantly fewer germs. (citation:9) ^[2]

So, is the handshake dying? Probably not entirely. But weve certainly become more mindful. Weve seen a rise in alternatives like the elbow bump, the fist bump, and a simple nod or smile. (citation:9) Even before the pandemic, studies showed that only about 40% of healthcare workers complied with hand hygiene rules, prompting some hospitals to consider handshake-free zones. (citation:9) The future likely isnt the end of the handshake, but a more thoughtful approach ^[3]—its perfectly acceptable to read the room and opt for a friendly wave or a fist bump when a full handshake feels inappropriate.

Comparison: Handshake vs. Common Alternatives

While the handshake is the traditional standard, other greeting gestures have gained popularity, especially in informal or health-conscious settings. Here’s how they stack up.

Handshake vs. Fist Bump

The fist bump is the handshakes more casual, modern cousin. Its the go-to for celebrating a win or greeting a close friend. Its biggest advantage is hygiene—it involves significantly less surface area contact, reducing germ transfer. However, it lacks the formality and gravitas of a handshake, making it unsuitable for sealing a business deal or a first meeting in a professional context. (citation:2)(citation:9)

Handshake vs. Bow

In many East Asian cultures, particularly Japan and Korea, bowing is the traditional greeting. Its a gesture of respect, humility, and gratitude, with the depth of the bow often indicating the level of respect. Unlike the handshakes implication of equality through physical contact, a bow can acknowledge a difference in social standing. While handshakes are common with Westerners, foreigners are often advised to let their host initiate a handshake and to reciprocate with a slight bow. (citation:2)

Handshake vs. Namaste

The Namaste, common in India and parts of Southeast Asia, involves pressing the palms together at the chest or forehead and bowing slightly. Its a beautiful, non-contact greeting that means the divine in me bows to the divine in you. It conveys deep respect and is a hygienic alternative. While handshakes are now common in Indian business settings, the Namaste remains a powerful and polite greeting, especially in more traditional or spiritual contexts. (citation:2)

The Perfect Handshake: A Quick Guide

Want to make a great first impression? The perfect handshake is a blend of confidence and respect. Here’s a simple guide, drawing from etiquette experts:

Stand up. It shows youre fully engaged and respectful. (citation:8) Make eye contact. Hold it for a few seconds—it builds trust. (citation:8) Keep your hand vertical. This signals youre meeting as equals. (citation:1) Get a firm, but not crushing, grip. Your goal is to match the other persons pressure, not to win a contest. A limp, wet fish handshake is universally disliked. (citation:1)(citation:8) Pump two to three times. A simple up-and-down motion from the elbow is all you need. Prolonged shaking can get awkward.

I used to think a super-firm grip was the only way to show confidence, until an older colleague winced after one of my enthusiastic handshakes. Thats when I learned that the real secret is matching the other persons pressure—its about connection, not competition.

Real-World Examples: Handshakes in Action

The Job Interview Jitters

Sarah, a recent graduate, was nervous for her first big interview. Shed read all about the importance of a good handshake and the long history of the handshake. As she walked into the room, she made sure to stand up straight, smile, and extend her hand with a palm-vertical grip. The interviewer, a seasoned professional, returned a firm, confident shake. In that two-second exchange, a bridge of mutual respect was built. Sarah felt more at ease, and the interviewer later noted her confident start. She got the job, and while the handshake wasnt the only reason, it certainly set a positive tone.

Minh's Cultural Exchange in Seoul

Minh, a software engineer from Ho Chi Minh City, was on a business trip to Seoul. At his first meeting, he extended his hand for a standard firm shake. His Korean counterpart, Mr. Park, gently took his hand with a noticeably softer grip, while using his left hand to lightly support his own right arm.

Minh, who had done his homework, recognized this as a sign of respect. He relaxed his own grip and gave a slight bow. Mr. Parks face lit up with a smile of appreciation. The meeting proceeded smoothly, all because Minh understood that a handshake isnt universal—its a cultural conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Handshakes

Handshake vs. The Alternatives: Which Greeting to Choose?

Traditional Handshake

• Formal business meetings, sealing agreements, first introductions in professional Western settings.
• Lowest; involves the most skin-to-skin contact, easily spreading germs. (citation:9)
• Conveys trust, equality (with palm-vertical), and confidence. But meaning varies wildly by culture.
• High; the standard for formal and semi-formal occasions.

Fist Bump

• Casual greetings with friends, celebrations, sporting events, and health-conscious interactions.
• High; significantly less surface contact than a handshake, reducing germ transfer. (citation:9)
• Informal camaraderie, agreement, or celebration. Can feel too casual for business.
• Low to medium. Widely accepted as friendly but not for sealing deals. (citation:2)

Bow / Namaste

• Greetings in many Asian cultures (Japan, Korea, India), spiritual settings, or when you wish to show deep respect without contact.
• Highest; a non-contact gesture, making it ideal during cold and flu season. (citation:9)
• Conveys respect, humility, and gratitude. The Namaste has a spiritual connotation of honoring the divine in another.
• Varies from very formal (deep bow to a superior) to sincerely respectful (Namaste).

Minh's Cultural Exchange in Seoul

Minh, a software engineer from Ho Chi Minh City, was on his first business trip to Seoul. He'd prepared his presentation but hadn't thought much about the greeting. At the meeting, he confidently extended his hand for a standard firm shake.

His Korean counterpart, Mr. Park, gently took his hand with a noticeably softer grip. For a split second, Minh felt his own grip tighten, a reflexive 'be firm' instinct kicking in. But he noticed Mr. Park was also using his left hand to lightly support his own right arm.

Minh remembered a travel tip he'd read: in Korea, a softer handshake is a sign of respect, and the two-handed grip adds sincerity. He immediately relaxed his own grip, gave a slight bow, and smiled. Mr. Park's formal expression softened into a genuine smile of appreciation.

The rest of the meeting went smoothly. Later, Mr. Park's colleague mentioned that he appreciated Minh's cultural awareness. That simple, adaptable handshake had bridged a potential gap and set a collaborative tone for their entire partnership.