National Handshake Day
From business deals to sportsmanship, a good handshake conveys confidence, warmth and professionalism, making a lasting first impression!
The handshake is an important mode of communication in many cultures, and National Handshake Day aims to celebrate this grasping of hands!
History of National Handshake Day
Handshakes may have originated as a sign of peaceful intention among two people, since shaking hands means that the hand can’t hold a weapon.
Or, the handshake had begun as a gesture of promise or oath, like the sealing of a bond. One of the earliest renderings of a handshake is dated to 900 BC between the kings of Assyria and Babylon.
In many cultures around the world, handshakes have continued to represent a sense of being welcomed, accepted, honored, respected and at peace.
Different countries and cultures may have varying customs surrounding the handshake. For instance, sometimes a handshake comes along with a kiss, and in other places men will shake hands but women will not.
Founded in 2005 by Miryam Roddy, National Handshake Day was meant to promote the importance of the handshake as a way to make a good impression.
Roddy, a professional development coach, says that handshakes are a gesture that is key to making first impressions and growing professional relationships.
How to Celebrate National Handshake Day
Enjoy and appreciate National Handshake Day with these ideas for celebrating:
Learn About the Benefits of Handshakes
Sometimes fear of spreading germs and disease can keep people from shaking hands, but some researchers believe that shaking hands can still be good for people (as long as everyone is feeling healthy, of course).
Skin-to-skin contact, from the moment of birth, is considered critical for humans to survive and thrive. Shaking hands can be an extension of this and here are some of the benefits from physical contact:
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Promote Immune Function
By increasing the level of neurotransmitters, touch can increase the function of the immune system to keep people healthy.
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Increase Motivation
Touch is known to activate the vagus nerve in humans, which is also associated with feelings of compassion and reward, boosting mental health.
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Personal Connection
When two people shake hands, especially when eye contact is made, they are more likely to have a personal connection and relate positively to the other person.
Wash Your Hands!
One critical form of respect for others, on National Handshake Day and every day, is making sure that your hands are clean when reaching out to shake someone else’s. It’s just good common sense and consideration for others.
A general rule for good hygiene is to wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20-30 seconds: after going to the bathroom, when hands are dirty, after nose-blowing and before eating. Practicing this should keep those hands in good handshaking order!
Shake Someone’s Hand
Though, in some circles, the frequency of handshakes may be diminishing, this loss of casual touch may actually be detrimental to relationships and to society. So National Handshake Day is the perfect time to bring them back around!
In honor of the day, and moving forward, reach out a hand to another person for a handshake and enjoy the benefits of this custom again.
National Handshake Day FAQs
What’s the oldest recorded mention of a handshake?
The earliest depiction of a handshake comes from a 9th-century BCE Assyrian relief.
It shows King Shalmaneser III shaking hands with a Babylonian ruler to seal an alliance. This demonstrates the handshake’s ancient role as a symbol of trust and agreement.
Are there handshake superstitions?
In some cultures, handshakes have superstitions tied to them. For instance, in Scotland, shaking hands with your left hand is thought to bring bad luck.
This belief likely stems from the left hand’s association with misfortune in various traditions.
Why do athletes and competitors often shake hands before or after a match?
Sportsmanship traditions date back to ancient Greece. Competitors in the Olympic Games shook hands as a sign of respect and fairness before contests.
This gesture underscores equality and mutual acknowledgment among rivals.
What’s the role of handshakes in diplomacy?
Handshakes are a vital part of diplomatic meetings. For instance, the historic handshake between Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat in 1993 symbolized a significant step toward peace.
Such moments capture global attention, making the handshake a powerful non-verbal message.
Do animals have behaviors similar to a handshake?
Yes! Chimpanzees and bonobos use hand-clasp gestures as a sign of cooperation or social bonding.
While not identical to human handshakes, these behaviors share a similar purpose in building trust and connection.
Is it true that handshakes have health implications?
Studies suggest a handshake spreads fewer germs than other forms of contact like hugs or kisses.
However, during flu seasons, people may switch to fist bumps or other alternatives to reduce risk while maintaining social etiquette.
How have science fiction works imagined handshakes?
In sci-fi, handshakes are often shown as universal gestures. For example, the “Star Trek” universe uses handshakes as a way for humans and extraterrestrials to bridge cultural gaps.
It symbolizes understanding even across galaxies.
What happens when handshakes go wrong?
Awkward handshakes—like a limp grip or overly strong squeeze—can leave lasting impressions.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s famously clumsy handshake with Barack Obama became a topic of media discussion, proving the importance of a good handshake.
Are handshakes ever considered offensive?
Yes, in some cultures, handshakes can be inappropriate between certain genders or age groups.
For example, in strict Islamic traditions, a handshake between unrelated men and women may be avoided to respect cultural or religious boundaries.
How do modern technologies mimic handshakes?
Virtual handshakes are emerging in the digital age.
Platforms like Zoom or VR use symbolic gestures or haptic feedback to simulate a handshake’s social bonding effect, showing how traditions adapt in a tech-driven world.
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