Why Do We Shake Hands?

The handshake is one of the most common ways to greet people. The handshake is a symbol for trust and agreement. There are many different variations of the handshake (one strong shake, multiple shakes, grasping the other person's left right hand with your left.) but they all have the same meaning. The handshake's rival, the hi-five and the fist bump is used to express excitement or accomplishment, it is used in a more casual situation, whereas the handshake is used in a formal situation.

Origins
The handshake was used all the way back to 5th century B.C. Greece. When two people shook, it made sure they were not carrying weapons. An identical use came when the Romans came in, copying the Greeks, the handshake was like an arm grab, checking each others sleeves for knives. As time progressed, and the Roman Empire collapsed, the ritual was retained in Medieval Europe. Knights shook hands to shake loose any concealed weaponry. Even though people today usually don't carry weapons in their sleeves, the handshake has remained as a way to show trust and peace between two people.

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