National Handshake Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Handshake Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Handshake Day is observed on June 29th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Handshake Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about National Handshake Day.

📅 What day is National Handshake Day 2024?

In 2024, National Handshake Day is on Thursday, June 29th. It is the 5th Thursday in June; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about June 29, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Handshake Day is celebrated on the last Thursday of June each year, and this year it falls on June 29. It’s great to see that this traditional way of greeting is finally receiving some recognition. The handshake is not only the most commonly used form of greeting, but it also holds different meanings in various cultures. Exploring more about the handshake can be beneficial as it has been a symbol of peace and kindness throughout history and across different societies. It acts as a universal language that connects people worldwide. It’s no wonder we want to celebrate this seemingly simple gesture. From a sociological perspective, the way someone shakes hands can reveal a lot about their character and intentions. That’s why secret handshakes have become popular, providing a sense of belonging to a specific group. Regardless of how you view it, the handshake deserves its own day because of its frequent use in our daily lives.

📜 National Handshake Day History

The exact origins of the handshake are uncertain, but there are indications from ancient pottery and records that suggest ancient Assyrians and Greeks used it as a gesture for sealing deals or conveying friendliness. One misconception is that the handshake originated in Europe, where knights would shake each other’s hands to ensure no hidden weapons were present. However, in medieval Europe, knights would actually grab each other’s arms for this purpose. Eventually, the Quakers in the 1700s adopted the handshake as their preferred greeting, replacing more subservient gestures like tipping hats or bowing, as it symbolized equality between individuals. Over time, the handshake evolved and gained acceptance, with cults and secret societies using it as a form of password to indicate membership.

In contemporary society, the handshake has acquired various meanings. It is more commonly favored by men, possibly due to historical reasons regarding weapons. While a firm handshake is expected in the West, in East Asian cultures, a soft hold and no eye contact are preferred. Currently, the handshake is somewhat out of fashion, with the fist bump gaining popularity in American society. However, it is important to revive the significance of the handshake as it conveys respect, equality, trust, and kindness, which surpass the meaning of a fist bump.

✅ National Handshake Day Facts

🔖 Wai bow
In Thailand, there is a traditional way to show respect to older people by placing your hands together, with your palms pressed tightly, and gently bowing your head so that your fingers touch the area between your eyebrows.

🔖 Shaka sign
The hand gesture involves bending three fingers down in the middle, while keeping the pinky and thumb raised. This is then followed by shaking the hand back and forth. It is commonly used as a relaxed greeting among people from Hawaii and surfers.

🔖 Namaste
This traditional Hindu greeting involves a brief bow while joining the hands together with the fingers pointing upwards.

👍 Why Is National Handshake Day Important

There are very few cultures in which the offer of a handshake is met with puzzlement and head scratching.This is due to the fact that it has become a globally acknowledged way of greeting, saying farewell, or communicating feelings such as appreciation or sympathy.

When it comes to relationship-building of any type, handshakes may be considered the first social frontier. When two individuals meet and connect for the first time, the handshake may reveal a lot about each person and aid in the formation of a first impression. Furthermore, handshakes are utilized in a variety of scenarios to convey various signals to one another.

How frequently do you encounter an angry handshake? Because handshakes entail physical contact, they are pleasant and positive gestures that involve two individuals reaching out to each other. We appreciate how the handshake can be utilized to send well wishes or thanks, so take advantage of this day to show your sentiments to someone by just shaking their hand and saying a kind word or two.

🙂 How To Observe National Handshake Day

⚡ Shake a stranger’s hand

⚡ Learn handshake etiquette
Have you ever thought about what your handshake says about you? If not, maybe it’s time to start. We often overlook the significance of this common, almost automatic social gesture and how it can affect the other person. We want to make you aware of this and encourage you to look up proper handshake etiquette. Feel free to do a quick Google search!

⚡ Create your own special handshake
Because the handshake may be used to communicate gratitude and goodwill toward another, why not shake the hand of a service provider and thank them for all they do for you and your community? A tiny deed like this can make a big difference!

📅 When is National Handshake Day?

You can view all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Relationship and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Handshake Day. So be sure to check back soon.