National Handshake Day

From business deals to sportsmanship, a good handshake conveys confidence, warmth and professionalism, making a lasting first impression!

Marketing angleinferred

Celebrate professional confidence and first impressions by positioning your brand as a partner in business success and networking excellence.

Relevance 45medium intent

Master the handshake: etiquette tips for sealing deals and building trust
From ancient Assyria to modern boardrooms: the power of a confident handshake
Networking season starts here—make your first impression count
Professional development: why the handshake still matters in a digital world

History

Handshakes have a long and surprisingly serious past for something that now happens near coffee machines and conference-room doors.

One commonly repeated explanation is that the handshake grew as a sign of peaceful intent. Extending an open hand, traditionally the weapon-holding hand, showed that a person was not currently armed and did not intend immediate harm. Over time, that gesture of safety could evolve into a gesture of welcome.

Another strong historical thread is the handshake as a sign of promise or oath, used to seal a bond. The handclasp is easy to understand even without shared language: two people physically connect to mark an agreement.

One of the earliest known depictions of a handshake-like clasp is often dated to the 9th century BCE, showing the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III clasping hands with a Babylonian ruler in a scene associated with alliance-making. That is not a casual “Hey there,” but it does show the handclasp functioning as political symbolism, a visual shorthand for trust and commitment.

In classical Greece and Rome, handclasp imagery shows up again as a meaningful symbol. Greek art includes depictions of dexiosis, a handclasp that could represent connection, unity, or parting.

Roman culture used clasped hands as a sign of loyalty and concord, and the symbolism appeared in art and on coins. Across these societies, the basic idea remained consistent: hands meeting equals a relationship being acknowledged.

Centuries later, the handshake became increasingly normalized as an everyday greeting in parts of Europe, especially as social customs shifted. It was sometimes favored because it felt more egalitarian than bows or hat-tipping, gestures that could emphasize rank and hierarchy.

When a handshake becomes standard, it turns into a kind of social tool: quick to perform, easy to recognize, and flexible enough to fit many situations, from congratulating a teammate to welcoming a new coworker.

In modern life, the handshake remains a powerful piece of body language, particularly in professional environments. A handshake can open an interview, begin a negotiation, congratulate a graduate, or signal respect after a competition. Even when agreements are signed digitally and conversations happen on screens, the handshake still represents a classic, in-person punctuation mark.

National Handshake Day itself was founded in 2005 by Miryam Roddy, a professional development coach and communications professional associated with BRODY Professional Development.

The day was created to promote the importance of the handshake as a way to make a good impression and to encourage people to think about the handshake as a skill, not an afterthought.

Roddy’s emphasis was practical: handshakes influence first impressions and can support professional relationships. That perspective fits the handshake’s long history as a gesture that quietly carries meaning, whether it is sealing an alliance, starting a partnership, or simply signaling courtesy.

Different countries and cultures may have varying customs surrounding the handshake. In some places, a handshake may be combined with a kiss on the cheek, a touch on the arm, or a bow. Elsewhere, handshakes may be reserved for more formal situations.

Some communities avoid handshakes between certain genders or prefer alternative greetings out of respect. These differences are not obstacles. They are reminders that the purpose of a greeting is to make others comfortable, not to force one single method.

National Handshake Day highlights that a handshake is not just a tradition for tradition’s sake. It is a living bit of etiquette that can adapt. It can be offered with confidence, accepted with warmth, or replaced with another respectful greeting when circumstances call for it. The point is the connection behind the gesture, and the thoughtfulness that makes any greeting land well.

FAQ

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.