Shaking hands

[seekfreedomc]

In some cultures they kiss or hug in greeting, whereas in more formal countries they bow and never touch. So how did the idea of shaking hands originate in the industrialised west, and how does it relate to the overall prudishness of western civilisation?

[LazyGun]

I had always thought that the origin of the handshake was in medieval times and was a way of demonstrating that two parties meeting up were not carrying concealed weapons...... I have always wondered about that though, because a concealed weapon by definition could be carried in the non - shaking hand ;)

[logman]

Its a tradition i've often thought about too, it can be a very painful experience if you wear rings and you meet someone with a strong grasp ! I think its a faily universal thing to show you are sincere.I notice some people will actually spit in their palm when striking a deal, but "greasing the palm" where does that come from ?

[Xollob]

The phrase uses "grease" in the sense of "enrich", which apparently has been around since the 1500s. Source: Answers.com.

[CT]

Wasn't it to do with swordsmanship. Most men had their sword hung by their left hand side, being right handed, making it easier to draw in combat. If you were to shake hands with someone then you cuoldn't draw your sword to kill them.

[Octavius]

The Islamic handshake is originally a Yemeni pre-islamic tradition, which spread with the expansion of the Islamic empire. The New Testament, in the Book of Galatians reflects the narration of St. Paul, that, upon his visit to Jerusalem he met with James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who each gave him, upon his leaving, the "right hand of friendship." See Galatians 2:9. Galatians has been dated by scholars as between 48 C.E. and 58 C.E. This suggests a usage well known in the Graeco-Roman world several centuries before the Islamic handshake.

It was brought into practice in its present form in Western society by English Quakers in 17th century as a more egalitarian and simpler alternative to the complex greeting etiquette of the contemporary higher social classes. Thomas Jefferson is often accredited with popularizing the technique during his tenure in the White House, displacing the bow as a more democratic greeting. Today the handshake is known and practiced throughout the world, though in many cultures alternative customs for greeting, such as bowing or cheek kissing are still preferred in some situations.

[Haggisdj]

I've always know it to be CT's answer...

[Octavius]

As seen in the film Gladiator it is possible to stab/kill someone with your left hand whilst your right hand is 'embraced'. Although admittedly, you wouldn't expect it.

Besides, if you were close enough to shake hands the sword would have been pretty useless. To show that you meant peace, the sword would have been drawn hilt first. It has nothing much to do with shaking hands.

[Puff]

Plus you could always reach for the other persons sword while shaking his hand