National Handshake Day

Introduction 

1.What Is National Handshake Day?

National Handshake Day is an informal observance celebrated annually on June 28 in many countries, though the exact date and awareness level can vary depending on regional customs. The day honors the simple yet powerful act of a handshake—the universal gesture of greeting, agreement, mutual respect, trust, and connection. State proclamations, corporate events, and social media campaigns help promote awareness.

While not an official holiday, it's a nod to the cultural and historical significance of the handshake—marking its place in human interaction from ancient times to modern global business.

2. The Historical Roots of the Handshake

1 Ancient Beginnings

• Sumerians (circa 2500 BCE) in Mesopotamia may have performed hand-to-hand gestures to signify trust and non-aggression.

• Ancient Greeks (around 5th century BCE) depicted handshakes in funerary art, symbolizing peace and a sacred pact.

• Romans adopted the gesture (“dextrarum iunctio”) to show loyalty—often inscribed on tombstones.

2 Medieval and Early Modern Europe

• Medieval knights used open-palmed handshakes to show they carried no hidden weapons, symbolizing goodwill.

• By the 17th and 18th centuries, it became widespread in everyday European life—adopted in diplomatic, political, and social contexts.

3 Spread to America and Beyond

• With European colonization, the handshake became a staple greeting in North America.

• In 1809, Abraham Lincoln and then-President William Henry Harrison offered high-profile public handshakes, elevating its symbolic value in America.

• The 20th century saw its global spread through diplomacy, film, travel, and business practices.

3. Symbolism and Social Meanings

A handshake is far more than a casual greeting—it carries layers of meaning:

1. Trust & Agreement: A firm handshake signifies reliability, sealing deals or contracts.

2. Mutual Respect: Helps equalize encounters, regardless of status.

3. Greeting & Farewell: Common in both formal and informal settings.

4. Collaboration: Seen in sportsmanship, philanthropy, partnerships.

5. Healing & Politics: Symbolic gestures during peacemaking or public reconciliation.

4. National Handshake Day – Celebrations & Events

While celebrations vary, themes include awareness, etiquette, history, and community.

1 Governmental Declarations

• U.S. mayors and councils in some cities pass resolutions celebrating June 28 as “Handshaker’s Day” to promote civility.

• In 2017, the city of Glendale, California, officially recognized the day.

2 Corporate & Organization Campaigns

• Banks and financial firms run networking events tied to handshake etiquette.

• Sales training firms use June 28 to coach best practices, often hosting workshops.

3 Educational Activities

• Schools highlight etiquette lessons—handshake style, grip, eye contact.

• Kid-friendly campaigns using crafts and role-play promote confidence and manners.

4 Social Media & Virtual Events

• Viral hashtags like #NationalHandshakeDay and #HandshakeChallenge add digital visibility.

• Online “virtual handshake” campaigns encourage messaging, commitments, or pledges.

5. Etiquette and Best Practices

A proper handshake conveys confidence, professionalism, and friendliness. Key elements include:

1 The Grip

• Aim for a full-hand grip—web to web.

• Match the pressure of your partner’s grip. Firm, not overpowering.

2 Duration and Motion

• Last around 2 seconds, with 2–3 gentle pumps or a steady hold.

• Keep the hand vertical—palm neither facing up nor down.

3 Body Language

• Maintain eye contact and smile.

• Keep shoulders relaxed and body oriented towards the other person.

4 Hygiene Matters

• Ensure clean, dry hands—critical in the post-pandemic era.

• Avoid after coughing or with visible dirt—wash first.

5 Cultural Sensitivities

• In some cultures, handshakes may be cross-gender sensitive (observe local norms, e.g., Middle East).

• In East Asia, a bow is often used instead or alongside a handshake.

• In parts of South America, hand-hug gestures combine handshake with a pat.

6. The Handshake in Health–Focused Times

1 COVID-19 and Impact on the Gesture

• During COVID-19, handshakes were largely replaced with elbow greets, fist bumps, waves, or bows.

• Studies showed reduced disease transmission but also a decline in interpersonal warmth.

• Surveys suggest most people are eager to bring the handshake back for its social value.

2 Adult Learning and Hygiene Awareness

• National Handshake Day now emphasizes health—reminding people to wash hands thoroughly, use sanitizer, and stay home when ill.

• Businesses providing hand-sanitizer stations and encouraging hygiene before handshakes are increasingly common.

3 Innovation: Contactless Alternatives

• Innovations like handshake substitutes (e.g., nods, fist bumps) aim to keep connection while minimizing risk.

• Some suggest wearable tech to simulate the connection—a vibratory "virtual handshake."

7. Scientific Insights on Handshakes

• Psychology: A handshake releases oxytocin and dopamine, fostering trust and empathy.

• Anthropology: Helps affirm social status, kinship, alliance, and cultural protocol.

• Evolution: Hand-to-hand gestures may date back to prehistoric “peace signals.”

8. Handshakes in Business & Politics

1 Business

• Crucial in interviews, negotiations, networking. A firm handshake builds confidence.

• Sales reps view a quality handshake as "nonverbal trust insurance."

• In Silicon Valley, it's sometimes joked that "VCs invest by the handshake."

2 Politics

• Visual handshake moments appear in news—symbolizing diplomacy, reconciliation, unity.

  • Iconic images: Nixon and Chairman Mao (1972), Merkel and Macron at WWI centenary (2018), Trump–Kim summit (2018), Biden–Putin Geneva handshakes (2021).

• They carry symbolic weight—images that signal trust, defiance, or accord.

9. Criticisms & Sensitivity

Not everyone views the handshake positively:

• Existential risks: Disease transmission, cultural barriers, genuine discomfort or trauma.

• Some people with PTSD or autism find it stressful.

• Critics argue: can we maintain connection with virtual, glove-based, or elbow greetings?

• National Handshake Day incorporates alternatives, acknowledging diverse comfort needs.

10. The Conversational Narratives

• Non-handshakers often adopt “vibe-first” connections—with eye contact, verbal warmth, body turns.

• Emphasizes being present and authentic—beyond physical touch.

11. Digital Era & Virtual Handshakes

As remote work increases, National Handshake Day embraces digital gestures:

• On Zoom or Teams, a wave, thumbs up, or on-screen virtual backgrounds can symbolize handshakes.

• One organization hosted a “shake-free networking hour” encouraging everyone to show their hands to the camera and greet verbally.

• Networking apps now support AR handshakes—hand graphics appearing when two avatars raise hands.

12. Global Perspectives

1 North America & Europe

• Strong association with professionalism.

• Events: business breakfasts, career fairs promote handshake coaching.

2 Asia-Pacific

• Handshake blends with bow or joined palms.

• Schools teach combinations—bow-smiles, palm-pressing “namaste,” and handshake hybrids.

3 Africa

• Handshakes incorporate local styles (e.g., double pump, snap fingers).

• Strong community focus—emphasize warmth and relational greeting.

4 Middle East

• Handshakes are customary among same-gender peers; cross-gender needs cultural sensitivity.

• Respect is shown through open palms, slower exchange, and respectful declinations when needed.

13. Measuring Impact

While informal, many metrics celebrate National Handshake Day’s impact:

• Event participation: business seminars, webinars, etiquette workshops.

• Media coverage: local news stories highlighting professional grooming.

• Social campaigns: hashtags reach thousands, sometimes millions.

• Business indicators: seminars improve professional confidence and networking skills.

14. Tips for Observance

If you'd like to participate in National Handshake Day, here’s how:

1. Clean hands before greeting.

2. Practice grip, posture, eye contact.

3. Learn alternatives (e.g., fist bump, nod).

4. Participate in or host a workshop or panel.

5. Share online using #NationalHandshakeDay.

6. Teach others—especially kids and new professionals.

15. The Future of Handshakes

Looking ahead:

• Increased hygiene awareness will shape handshake practice.

• Tech integration (wearables, VR) may simulate touch digitally.

• There's a rising acceptance of alternatives—and broader etiquette that honors individual preferences.

Handshakes will likely remain powerful—but more inclusive, health-conscious, context-aware.