The History of the Handshake
This 9th century BC stone relief, currently housed in the Iraq Museum, depicts King Shalmaneser III of Assyria shaking hands with a Babylonian.
The tradition of handshaking has been around for a very long time. Although the origin of the practice is debated, it can be argued that the handshake started as long ago as the 9th century B.C. or the 5th century B.C.
An ancient relief depicting Assyrian King Shalmeneser III, is believed to depict a handshake between the Shalmeneser himself and a Babylonian king. It has been dated back to the 9th century B.C. Another piece of ancient art believed to be depicting a handshake is a funerary stele from the 5th century B.C. Greece, which appears to show goddesses Athena and Hera shaking hands.
Today, the handshake is a universal gesture used everyday throughout the entire world - until recently. It serves as a symbol of formality, friendship, and mutual understanding. However, it may have had a different meaning in the past. Historians believe that handshaking first began as a symbol of peace, because it would demonstrate to both parties that the other was unarmed. Others think that the up and down motion of shaking was for the purpose of knocking knives or hidden weapons out of sleeves.
It was passed along for many centuries, but truly popularized in the 17th century, by the Quakers, who ritualized the action as an everyday greeting.
Currently, as we experience a time of great concern, struggle, and unknown possibilities, this ancient practice suddenly does not seem as eternal as it once did. In a post-COVID-19 world, handshaking may very well become a thing of the past.
Decree for Samos: This 405 BC relief inscribed stele, currently in the Acropolis Museum of Athens, depicts Hera and Athena, patron-deities of the cities Samos and Athens, shaking hands in accord at the end of the Peloponnesian War.