Origins: Shaking hands to seal a deal?

Question

Where did the rule come from / span from / originate that a deal or bet is only official / sealed / confirmed when the dealers / betters shake hands with one another?

Answer 1

It originated in Tudor England. At that time, most men, especially Knights, wore swords and, since most men were right handed (the left side of the body is considered the sinister side and is even called "Sinestra" in medical terms) the sword was almost always drawn with the right hand.

When a person was in Court... Royal or legal... it was considered a serious offense... serious enough to have the offender put to death... to draw a sword... so, when an agreement was reached it became common practice for the two litigants to grasp each other's right hands to prevent either of them from pulling their sword because of the emotion of the moment.

Answer 2

I agree with Thankuberry: "I heard a long time ago that a right hand shake ensured the person you are dealing with can't use his good hand to draw a knife, sword or similar weopon. This is a Trust issue to offer your good hand."

A very plausible and compelling argument. This custom evolved from sealing agreements, truces, greetings, meetings and farewells to sealing deals.

This is a good raison d'etre and scenario for the origins and evolution of a custom from ancient Biblical times when most men were "men at arms" and carried weapons. And most men were right-handed when they fought with a knife, sword or other weapon.

Ehow.com confirms this: "Historically used to show that both people were unarmed. The handshake today is a critical gauge of confidence, trust, sophistication and mood."

Homestead.com says: "The custom of two men grasping right hands upon meeting, agreement or farewell has ancient and uncertain origins. Quite likely, holding the weapon hand of one's enemy during a truce reduced the risk of a sudden change of heart. Similarly, extending an empty right hand would be a gesture of peaceful intentions and good will. Regardless of intentions, however, those offering Attila the Hun a dead fish handshake were undoubtedly killed on the spot."

Homestead.com also describes the customs and differences of American handshakes from the Mid West to East Coast and West Coast. Very interesting!

The Wikipedia article while being useful on describing the meaning and purpose of Hand Shaking, sheds no light on the origins and evolution of this ritual.

Answer 3

There are no rules.

You could say that you prefer not to shake hands as your preferred way of sealing a deal is to give the dealer a big hug and a slap on the back. When they turn you down, shrug and say "I don't mind that nobody adopts my customs".

It really depends if you prefer to adopt the customs of the country you are in, or if you prefer to be different and not fit in.

Some countries have prolonged handshakes which can be quite uncomfortable for most men in the UK. They do it whenever they meet people, and the better they know them the longer they shake hands for.

I prefer not to judge people with regards to trusting them on the basis of whether they adopt my customs or not. Trust is about delivering on promises, to the best of your ability and resources. Some promises cannot be met. That does not mean that the promises were made recklessly, it just means that statistically some promises cannot be met. (yet)

Answer 4

The original hand shakes were more arm shakes. since most people were right handed, it was a sign to show that you had no weapon in your hand or up your sleeve.

More a sign of no violent intent than a sign of friendship.
many cultures incorporated this custom individually and of course it spread across the world

Answer 5

You're right, there are plenty of players who haven't shaken hands at the end of games, or who have been poor sports. Those guys weren't LeBron James. James has very carefully crafted a public image of himself as a "good guy", and has done everything he can to make himself one of the most recognizable and marketable players in the league. So when he does something, even something trivial, that goes against the public perception of him, it becomes news.

Answer 6

i heard a long time ago that a right hand shake ensured the person your dealing with can't use his good hand to draw a knife or similar weopon, a trust issue to offer your good hand

Answer 7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_shaking

this will tell you everything you need to know. wanna shake on it! haha!!


i crack myself up.