Why Do We Shake Hands? The Strange History Behind a Common Greeting

A Universal Greeting… with Germs?

Ever stopped mid-handshake and thought, “Wait, why are we even doing this?” … That makes the handshake both unique and risky: a symbol of trust on one hand (pun intended), and a perfect way to spread germs on the other. In fact, researchers at Harvard found that a handshake transmits twice as much bacteria as a high-five, and nearly ten times more than a fist bump. (Harvard Health Publishing)

The Ancient History of Handshakes

The handshake dates back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks used it as a symbol of peace, often depicted in stone carvings showing two people clasping hands. The gesture was practical too: in times when everyone carried weapons, extending an empty right hand was a clear message—“I’m not going to stab you (at least not right now).”

In Roman times, the handshake evolved into the “manus” or wrist grab, another clever way to check if someone was hiding a knife up their tunic. So yeah, it was less about a warm hello and more about making sure your new friend wasn’t about to end your day—or your life—with a surprise dagger.

The Handshake in Business and Everyday Life

Today, the handshake is everywhere—from job interviews to peace treaties to that awkward moment when you go for a handshake and the other person goes for a fist bump and now you’re both just kind of… holding each other’s fingers? It’s still a trust signal, but also a stage for accidental comedy.

Fun fact: research shows that a good handshake—firm, but not bone-crushing—can actually influence people’s first impressions of your confidence and reliability. But there’s a thin line between “confident” and “trying to assert dominance like a corporate gorilla.” People notice.

Handshakes During and After COVID-19

Then 2020 rolled in and made handshakes suddenly… questionable. With a global virus turning skin-to-skin contact into a potential biohazard, we saw waves, nods, and elbow bumps step in. Still, the old handshake hasn’t vanished. In many cultures, the muscle memory of greeting someone with your palm is hardwired—like reaching for your phone even when you’re wearing headphones.

What began as a simple signal of peace turned into one of the world’s most universal habits. It’s kind of wild when you think about it: every time we shake hands, we’re echoing an ancient ritual rooted in suspicion and survival. A relic from an age when “Nice to meet you” needed a follow-up glance at your wrist… just in case.