Why do we shake hands as a common greeting in many cultures?

We shake hands to show we are friendly and ready to work together.

When people meet for the first time, they want to know if they can trust each other. Shaking hands is like saying, "I am honest and I mean no harm." It's a simple action that shows you're open to making new friends or working with someone new.

Imagine you're playing with your friend at the park. You both reach out with your hands, and you give each other a little squeeze, that’s like a handshake! It’s not as tight as a hug, but it still shows you're happy to see each other.

Shaking hands is also a way to say "hello" and "goodbye." Sometimes people shake hands before starting a game or after finishing one. It's like giving your friend a thumbs-up, a quick, easy way to show you're on the same team.