The Origin of the Handshake Gesture That Many of Us Don’t Know

Shaking hands is putting our interaction with people into action. When showing that we understand each other, when making business connections, when meeting someone new, when greeting… We automatically shake each other’s hands.

So why this movement in particular? Why did we make shaking hands a common gesture of agreement? If you are ready, let’s take a journey back to the past.

Representation of peace and loyalty.

Shaking hands in the ancient world; It can be seen on tombstones, stone slabs and decorations. In the ancient Greek period, peace between two people It was a symbol of not carrying a gun.

Knights waving each other’s arms in the Middle Ages He would try to uncover hidden weapons. In other words, it is thought to have emerged as a peace movement. It was also considered a more egalitarian move than bowing.

The widespread use of handshakes in America began with the Quakers, a Christian sect. A democratic movement, far from hierarchy and social rank It was seen as. Everyone was shaking hands with each other, regardless of their rank.

It is even a symbol of our evolution.

Whatever its origin, according to University of Texas Psychology Professor Cristine Legare, shaking hands is Humans evolved as social animals that value touch a symbol. Palm touching can also be seen in chimpanzees, which are the creatures closest to humans.

If you remember, how difficult it was for all of us not to be able to shake hands during the Covid-19 period. Even to fill your place We even developed various movements. This alone proves the importance of shaking hands in our lives.

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