The History Of The Handshake

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Did you know that the handshake started, not as a greeting, hi, how are you doing, but as a way to help protect yourself? I didn't. I always equated a handshake with a friendly greeting. As I was running around the internet, I can across this little known fact. At least, I think it's a little known fact. Handshakes were originally meant to make sure that the person you were meeting wasn’t carrying a concealed weapon. The hand clasp proved that your hand was empty and shaking was meant to dislodge any weapons hiding up the sleeve. How do you like that? Did you know this about the handshake? But wait, I also heard that it is the universal sign of peace. Rest assured it is the universal sign of peace, now. Back in the day of old when life was taken so easily and you didn't know who your enemies were it was a more an act of protection than a friendly greeting. As man evolved so did the meaning of the handshake.