Why do we shake hands as a common form of greeting?

We shake hands because it’s a friendly way to say “hello” and show we trust each other.

When two people meet, they want to know that the other person is not going to grab them or run away. Shaking hands is like giving each other a little hand hug, it shows you’re both ready to be friends.

Think of your hand as a tool, just like a shovel helps you dig, your hand helps you say hello. When you shake someone’s hand, it’s like saying, “I’m not scared of you.” It’s also like when you high-five with a friend, it’s fun and friendly.

People have been shaking hands for a long time, so long that it became something we all know. Now, whenever two people meet, they just do it automatically, like tying their shoes or brushing their teeth. It's a shared habit, and that makes everyone feel connected.