The handshake is one of the world’s oldest greetings—used by everyone from ancient warriors to modern professionals. Its origins? A simple way to show you weren’t carrying a weapon: "See? Empty hand. No harm here."

In ancient Greece, it symbolized trust—more than a hello, it was a wordless contract. By medieval times, knights took it literally, shaking hands to check for hidden daggers. And in the 1600s, Quakers embraced it as a sign of equality—no bows or curtsies, just mutual respect.

Today, it’s still a go-to for deals, intros, and reunions. Even with new greetings like fist bumps and elbow taps, the handshake remains a timeless way to say, “I’ve got nothing to hide—and I’m glad to meet you.”