Why do we shake hands and where did the custom originate?

We shake hands to show we trust each other and are ready to be friends or work together.

Long ago, people didn’t have fancy gadgets or big buildings, they lived in small groups and often had to make deals with strangers. To prove they meant what they said, people would take off their gloves and offer their bare hand to someone else. This was a sign of peace because if you were hiding a weapon inside your glove, you’d be silly enough to try and attack someone while shaking hands.

When people first started shaking hands, it wasn’t just about showing they had no weapons, it was also a friendly greeting. Imagine meeting someone new at school or on the playground: instead of giving them a big hug or a complicated handshake with both hands, you just offer your hand and give it a little shake, like saying “hello” with your whole body.

Over time, this simple action turned into a habit that people all over the world still use today. Now, when you shake someone’s hand, you’re not only greeting them, you’re also showing that you're ready to be friends or work together.