The handshake
In these carvings, handshakes were shown as a gesture of solidarity or an agreement between rulers.
The handshake’s practical origin is surprisingly straightforward: it was a way to show that one was unarmed. By extending an open hand, individuals demonstrated that they held no weapon, signaling peaceful intentions. Over time, the gesture evolved into a mutual agreement of trust, solidifying alliances or agreements between individuals.
The practice was later embraced by ancient Greeks, who used it as a way to seal deals and express equality. A famous depiction of a handshake between Hera and Athena, carved on a 5th-century BCE funerary stele, exemplifies its use in Greek culture to signify respect and cooperation.
During the Roman Empire, the handshake became more formalized, often resembling a grasp of the forearms rather than the modern palm-to-palm clasp. This style ensured that neither party had a hidden dagger up their sleeve—a literal and symbolic assurance of trust.
In medieval Europe, knights adapted the handshake to check for concealed weapons. They would shake hands vigorously to dislodge any hidden blades, transforming the gesture into one of both practicality and tradition.
By the 17th century, the handshake began to take on its modern meaning, especially among Quakers. The religious group viewed the handshake as a humble alternative to bowing or tipping one’s hat, which they considered overly hierarchical. For them, the gesture symbolized equality and mutual respect.
Today, the handshake has transcended its original purposes to become a global symbol of greeting, agreement, and connection. From sportsmanship to business deals, the simple act of clasping hands carries centuries of history and meaning, reminding us of its ancient roots in trust and goodwill.
~ Weird but True
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