how did the tradition of shaking hand evolve?

Question

I was wondering if somebody knows how this wonderful tradition evolve. In fact in some cultures it is not a common practice and is supposed to be quite impolite.

Answer 1

Supposed to be a way of showing that you weren't holding a weapon. Just as saluting evolved from knights raising their visors to identify themsevles to a friend.

Masai warriors shake hands with the left hand because it is closer to the heart.

Answer 2

I heard once (though i cannot say if it is accurate) that it had to do with having an empty hand...ie no weapon in the right hand.
So it must mean we are friends if i prove to you that i have no weapon in my hand to hurt you. Of course it is a cultural gesture and not done in all cultures. But that is what i have heard about its origin back in distant history. Only a myth.

Answer 3

people used to grab each others wrist so that they could see if they were hiding a weapon in their sleeves. To offer someone to shake your hand was a showing of good intentions

Answer 4

back in midevil days, people would shake hands to check for weapons, they used to shake at the wrist actually, and wave from a distance to show they were unarmed and come in peace.

Answer 5

I heard it was done by warriors in past times to show they were not carrying weapons

Answer 6

search for it on wikipedia.org. they have EVERYTHING you could possibly want about anything. its shocking on what they have articles on. im sure you'll find your answer there. and if you dont, they have link where you will find it

Answer 7

IT CAME ABOUT IN ROMAN DAYS WHEN THEY WANTED TO SHOW THAT THEY HAD NO WEAPONS...