Why Do We Shake Hands?

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Why do humans press palms with strangers? That deceptively simple question leads us down a fascinating historical path stretching back thousands of years. What began as an ancient safety measure—extending empty hands to prove you weren't concealing weapons—has evolved into one of humanity's most universal gestures of trust and connection.

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Episode Transcript

Podcast (00:03):
Hey there, curious minds, welcome to another
episode of "I Wonder, the showwhere we explore the questions
you've been wondering about.
Today's question comes fromAndrea.
Andrea wants to know why do weshake hands?
What a great question.
Shaking hands is something manyof us do without even thinking,

(00:25):
but it turns out there's a lotof history and meaning behind
this simple gesture, fromancient rituals to modern
traditions.
Let's explore why we shakehands and why it matters.

(00:47):
Where did handshakes come from?
The handshake has been aroundfor thousands of years and has
deep roots in history.
Historians believe that itdates back to ancient times,
when people would extend theirhands to show that they weren't
holding any weapons.

(01:08):
In ancient Greece, handshakessymbolize trust and respect, and
they're often depicted inartwork.
For example, some Greekcarvings on stone stele, such as
those found near Athens, showindividuals shaking hands, often

(01:29):
in funerary scenes, as agesture of mutual respect and
connection.
The Romans added their owntwist to the handshake Instead
of clasping hands, they graspedeach other's forearms.
This wasn't just for show.
It was a way to check forhidden weapons, ensuring that

(01:50):
both parties came in peace.
By the Middle Ages, thehandshake had become a common
way for knights to greet eachother.
A strong, firm handshakedemonstrated mutual trust and
respect, qualities that werehighly valued in their code of
conduct.

(02:10):
So why do we shake hands today?
In the modern world, handshakesare no longer about checking
for weapons, but they remain auniversal gesture of connection
and respect.
Shaking hands can mean differentthings depending on the context
.
It might be a greeting, a wayto seal a deal, or a way to
congratulate someone.

(02:31):
When you meet someone for thefirst time, a handshake creates
an instant bond.
It's like saying I acknowledgeyou and I'm ready to connect.
In professional settings,handshakes often set the tone
for the interaction.
A firm handshake is seen as asign of confidence and

(02:53):
trustworthiness, while a floppyone might leave a less favorable
impression.
What's some of the sciencebehind handshakes?
Handshakes aren't just socialgestures.
They also have psychologicaland biological effects.
When you shake hands, yourbrain releases a hormone called

(03:14):
oxytocin, often referred to asthe bonding hormone.
This chemical helps fostertrust and connection, making a
handshake more than just aformality.
Studies have shown that peopleperceive those who shake hands
as more approachable andtrustworthy.

(03:35):
It's amazing how such a simpleaction can have such a big
impact.
Okay.
So how do you give a goodhandshake?
You want to leave a positiveimpression with your handshake.
There are a few simple tips tokeep in mind.
First, look the person in theeyes as you shake hands.

(03:57):
This shows confidence, helpsestablish trust.
Next, give a firm .
grip Not too weak and definitelynot a bone-crushing grip.
A firm but not overwhelminghandshake shows you're confident
and engaged.
Lastly, make sure yourhandshake feels sincere.
A warm and genuine smile to goalong with the handshake can

(04:21):
really make all the difference.
It's all about showing respectand kindness, and a good
handshake is one way to do that.
But do all cultures shake hands?
No, not all cultures usehandshakes, and in some cultures
it might not even beappropriate.
In Japan, bowing is thetraditional way to show respect

(04:45):
when you first meet someone,while in India, people often use
namaste gesture, bringing theirhands together in front of
their chest.
In some European countries, ahandshake might be accompanied
by a kiss on the cheek.
Even within cultures that usehandshakes, there are variations

(05:08):
.
If you're uncertain about whatkind of handshake or welcome
gesture to use, it's always goodto do research before you
interact with someone from adifferent culture and don't
hesitate to ask them questions.
Now, what happened during thepandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic ittemporarily changed how we

(05:30):
greet each other.
With concerns about health andsafety, people turned to
alternatives like elbow bumps,fist bumps or just waving.
While some predicted thehandshake might disappear
forever, it's clear that it'smade a strong comeback in many
places.
This shows how deeply ingrainedthe handshake is in human

(05:53):
culture as a way to connect andcommunicate.
What about handshakes in sports?
Handshakes aren't just forformal occasions.
They're also a big part ofsports culture.
Professional athletes oftendevelop unique handshake
routines with their teammates,creating a fun and memorable way
to celebrate their connection.

(06:14):
Take Josh Allen of the BuffaloBills, for example.
He has a different handshakewith several of his teammates,
each tailored to theirpersonality and bond.
These routines aren't justabout having fun.
They build camaraderie and showthe close relationships within
the team.

(06:36):
Here's some fun facts abouthandshakes.
Handshakes have left theirmark on history in surprising
ways.
In 1972, the handshake betweenUS President Richard Nixon and
the Chinese premier Zhu Enlaibecame a powerful symbol of

(06:56):
during During the Cold .
The the handshake transcendedwords, representing a historic
moment of connection between twonations
A historic moment of connectionbetween two nations.
There are even competitionsheld for the world's longest
handshake.
Can you guess how long peoplehave shaken hands for?
In 2016, a duo shook hands forover

(07:20):
43 hours and in 2021, over 72hours.
So, Andrea recap, why arehandshakes important?
Handshakes matter because theycommunicate so much without
saying a word.
They build trust, show respectand signal a willingness to
connect.
Whether you're meeting someonenew, sealing a business deal or

(07:43):
just saying hello, a handshakecan start a relationship on the
right note.
And in today's digital world,where so much communication
happens through screens, thehandshake remains a powerful
personal way to engage withothers.
It's a reminder Andrea thatsometimes the simplest gesture
carries deep meanings.

(08:03):
iwonderpodcast.
So, andrea, why do we shakehands?
It all started as a way to showtrust and peace in ancient
times and over thousands ofyears it evolved into a
universal gesture of connectionand respect.
From checking for weapons inRoman times to building bonds on
the sport field, handshakescontinue to be a meaningful part

(08:25):
of how we interact.
Whether it's a formal handshakeor a playful routine, this
small act carries a big message.
Thanks again, andrea, for sucha thoughtful question, and
remember, if you have a questionyou're curious about, submit it

(08:48):
on our website,iwonderpodcastcom, and we might
just feature it in our nextepisode of I Wonder.
Until next time, stay curiousand keep wondering you.