The handshake is one of the most familiar human gestures. It is used to greet strangers, close business deals, show agreement, and express respect. Despite being so common today, the handshake has a long and meaningful history that goes far beyond simple politeness. Its origins are deeply connected to trust, safety, and human social behavior.
Understanding where the handshake came from helps explain why it continues to hold importance across cultures and centuries.
Early Origins of the Handshake
Historians believe the handshake dates back thousands of years, possibly to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Mesopotamia. One of the earliest known depictions of a handshake appears on a ninth-century BCE Assyrian relief, showing a king shaking hands with a Babylonian ruler. This gesture symbolized peace, alliance, and mutual respect between leaders.
In ancient times, people lived in environments where violence and conflict were common. Carrying weapons was normal, especially when traveling. Extending an open right hand toward another person was a powerful signal. It showed that the person was not holding a weapon and did not intend harm.
A Symbol of Trust and Safety
The handshake originally served as a practical safety check. By grasping another person’s hand, individuals could confirm that no hidden weapon was being held. In some versions of the gesture, the hands were shaken up and down to dislodge any concealed blade hidden in a sleeve.
Over time, this physical check evolved into a symbolic act. The handshake came to represent trust, honesty, and peaceful intentions. It was a nonverbal way of saying, “I come in peace” or “You can trust me.”
This meaning explains why the handshake became common during agreements, introductions, and negotiations.
Handshakes in Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, the handshake was known as dexiosis, meaning “joining of right hands.” It symbolized friendship, loyalty, and equality. Greek art often depicted gods and heroes shaking hands, reinforcing the idea that the gesture represented unity and mutual respect.
The Romans also adopted the handshake, using it to seal promises and demonstrate allegiance. Roman coins and sculptures frequently showed clasped hands as symbols of harmony and faithfulness. In Roman society, the gesture carried moral significance and was closely tied to honor.
Evolution Into a Social Custom
During the Middle Ages, handshakes became less formal but remained important in daily interactions. Knights and soldiers used them to show goodwill when meeting without hostility. Merchants used handshakes to finalize verbal agreements before written contracts became widespread.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, the handshake began to replace more elaborate gestures like bowing among equals, especially in Western societies. It became associated with fairness and mutual respect rather than hierarchy.
The rise of democratic ideals also helped popularize the handshake, as it symbolized equality between individuals.
Cultural Variations and Meanings
While the handshake is widely recognized, its meaning and execution vary across cultures. In some regions, a firm handshake is seen as confident and respectful. In others, a softer grip is preferred to avoid appearing aggressive.
The duration, eye contact, and number of shakes can also change the message being conveyed. Despite these differences, the underlying purpose remains the same: acknowledgment, trust, and social connection.
The Handshake in the Modern World
Today, the handshake continues to be a standard greeting in professional and social settings. It is often used to begin or conclude meetings, introduce new connections, and mark agreements. Even in an era of digital communication, the gesture remains powerful because it involves direct human contact.
Recent global health concerns temporarily reduced physical greetings, but the handshake’s symbolic value has not disappeared. Its long history shows that humans naturally seek gestures that communicate trust and mutual understanding.
Why the Handshake Still Matters
The handshake has survived for thousands of years because it fulfills a basic human need: reassurance. It bridges gaps between strangers and reinforces social bonds. What began as a practical safety measure evolved into one of the most enduring symbols of cooperation.
The next time you shake someone’s hand, you are participating in a tradition shaped by history, culture, and the universal human desire for trust.
