Discover the intriguing story behind the handshake in our latest video, "The Handshake: A History of Peace, Trust, and...Germs?" This 3-minute journey explores how this simple gesture evolved from ancient Greece to contemporary culture, symbolizing peace, trust, and even spiritual energy! From knights proving their honor to Quakers promoting equality, we uncover fascinating historical insights and cultural variations of this universal greeting. Plus, we'll touch on the recent rise of alternatives to handshakes in light of health concerns. Join us as we delve into the past and present of handshaking! Don't forget to like and share this video!

TRANSCRIPT: The handshake. It's a simple gesture we do every day, often without even thinking about it. But have you ever stopped to think about where it came from? This seemingly mundane act has a rich and varied history. This little ritual has a surprisingly long and fascinating history, spanning across different cultures and eras. The most popular theory takes us back to ancient times, specifically to ancient Greece. Possibly as early as the fifth century BC in Greece, the handshake was already in use. Back then, extending your open hand showed you weren't carrying a weapon, a clear sign of peace and trust. We even see handshakes in ancient Greek art, depicted on pottery and in sculptures. These images suggest it was a symbol of peace, a truce, or maybe even an agreement between parties. Some historians believe that Romans used the handshake to make sure that neither person was hiding a dagger up their sleeves, a practical measure for safety. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, a time of knights and castles. Knights might have shaken hands as a sign of trust, a way of ensuring mutual safety. It was a way of saying, "See? No swords here," reinforcing the idea of trust and camaraderie. There are also some less common, more mystical theories about the origins of the handshake. Some believe a handshake was a way to transfer spiritual power or energy. Think of it as an ancient energy exchange, a way to share one's spiritual essence with another. In the sixteen hundreds, the Quakers, a religious group, reportedly adopted the handshake as a more egalitarian greeting, moving away from more hierarchical forms of greeting. Bowing and hat-tipping were seen as signs of social hierarchy, gestures that placed one person above another. And the Quakers wanted something more equal, something that reflected their values of equality and mutual respect. A simple handshake fit the bill perfectly, embodying their principles in a single gesture. As cities grew during the Industrial Revolution, the handshake became even more significant. With people interacting with strangers more often, the handshake became a quick, efficient way to greet someone and show you were friendly. It was a practical solution for a rapidly urbanizing world, a way to establish trust quickly. Today, the handshake is a global gesture, recognized and used in almost every country. We use it to greet people, say goodbye, seal deals, and show good sportsmanship, making it a versatile and universal gesture. It is seen in almost every country in some form or another, each culture adding its own unique twist. But it's not without its variations. A firm handshake, a soft one, a quick shake, a long one - they can all convey different meanings, depending on the culture and context. The nuances of a handshake can speak volumes, revealing much about the individuals involved and their relationship. Of course, in recent times, we've seen a shift away from the traditional handshake, primarily for health reasons. But even if we're fist-bumping or elbow-bumping for now, the handshake's long history as a symbol of peace, trust, and connection is undeniable. What will be the next evolution of the handshake? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the handshake, in whatever form it takes, will continue to be a powerful symbol of human connection.