Origins of the Handshake

The beginning of the handshake predates written history, making a definite explanation impossible. Many stories exist to explain the origin, ranging from comedic to spiritual. The most plausible explanation comes from the Medieval times, where the open right hand indicated you were not carrying a weapon. If two men met and displayed empty right hands, they could assume they would not be attacked by the other.

In a similar version, the handshake evolved from an elbow to wrist pat down to check for hidden daggers, eventually ending with the two men clutching hands. Another explanation exists stating the shaking motion was meant to dislodge any sharp objects that may have been hidden in the adversaries’ sleeve. The explanations all most likely have some merit and historical reality, and eventually merged into what we refer to as the handshake. Since women did not traditionally carry weapons, it explains why handshaking isn’t as common of a tradition with females.

Why the right hand in particular became the dominant hand for handshakes has several roots. In Christianity, the Devil has been associated with the left hand in various ways and is normally left-handed when depicted. According to counts, the bible contains over 100 favorable references to the right hand and 25 unfavorable references to the left-hand. For example, The right hand of the lord doeth valiantly, the right hand of the lord is exalted (Psalm 118: 15 to 16).

Within Islamic cultures, the left hand is reserved for the less-than-hygienic parts of daily life, due to its association with evil. The Qur'an states, But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left hand. On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round) (90:19 to 20). The right hand is reserved for eating and picking up the Qur’an, and naturally, greeting with a handshake.

Many other religions refer to the left-hand as being more evil than the right, giving rise to the use of the right hand for actions of relative importance. Finally, only 7 to 10 percent of the population is left handed, making the use of the right-hand for handshakes the natural choice.

Idea Suggested By: Liam Varley

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