2006-08-22 06:21:37 · 25 answers · asked by Ger M 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Goes back to a sign of trust in your opposite number that neither of you is armed
2006-08-22 06:30:37 · answer #1 · answered by Monty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shaking hand with right hand may well have been through disarming to do so, as the left hand shake (Scouting Movement) comes from laying down the shield to declare yourself defenceless.
I understand it to be a much older gesture, in essence a symbolic hug. Most cultures have a way of greeting based on a restricted form of body contact (eg. the nose rub) and hugging and holding hands are both primitive ways of delivering messages of affection, allegiance, etc and can be seen in other great apes.
So simply put, it's a prehistoric gesture that has evolved through using it to gauge strength, show dominance, convey emotion etc.
2006-08-22 16:29:29 · answer #2 · answered by qatpoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The original custom was to clasp the person from the opposing tribe just below the elbow on the right arm and they did the same, this was to signify that you had no weapon in hand. Left handed people were not considered usual, the Latin term for left is 'sinister' (right is 'dexter')
This is where we get the expression sinister meaning strange.
Regards,
Tin
2006-08-22 22:47:53 · answer #3 · answered by Tin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It comes from a really ancient custom, I think roman or something that old: It means "I have no arms", it was a friendly sign. I read somewhere that is the same origin of the japanesse greet, to low the head, because this make the person defenseless to an attack. So, to low the head means: "I trust you will not harm me"...Something like that.
2006-08-22 14:10:15 · answer #4 · answered by Alexira 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clasping right hands was a symbolic gesture. When two warriors met to parley, clasped right hands meant neither could draw swords. Of course, a left-handed person could do so, which was one reason "sinister" (left hand) became a synonym for treachery.
2006-08-22 15:45:58 · answer #5 · answered by Spel Chekker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shake with your sword hand to show trust and respect
2006-08-22 13:33:27 · answer #6 · answered by thecharleslloyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Romans used to do it to show they didn't hold weapons. And they didn't shake hands with many nations they invaded.
2006-08-22 13:40:45 · answer #7 · answered by hyperoil 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give Anchan the 10 pts., she was the first one to answer correctly. I'm happy with my 2.
2006-08-23 09:17:31 · answer #8 · answered by opossumd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it was originally done to show that they had no weapons in their hands.
2006-08-22 16:24:40 · answer #9 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the open handed jesture to show there are no weapons.
2006-08-23 06:11:56 · answer #10 · answered by Torchwood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋