Humans shake hands as a form of greeting because it shows trust and friendship, like when you high-five your best friend after a game.
Why shaking hands feels friendly
When two people shake hands, they are showing that they are open to being friends. It's like when you give someone a hug, you're saying, "I like you!" But instead of hugging, you just touch hands. This is simple and easy for everyone to do, no matter how big or small they are.
Why it works across cultures
Shaking hands has been used by many people all over the world because it's a simple action that needs no special tools or training. Just like how you use your hands every day, eating, drawing, playing, shaking hands is something that feels natural to most people. So whether you're in Africa, Asia, Europe, or anywhere else, shaking hands helps people say hello and show they are ready to be friends.
Examples
- Two people meet at a party and greet each other by shaking hands.
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See also
- Why do we shake hands as a common greeting custom?
- Why do we shake hands as a common form of greeting?
- Why do people shake hands as a greeting?
- What are shaking hands?
- What are non-material cultural practices?