Why do people shake hands as a greeting ritual?

People shake hands as a greeting because it shows they are friendly and trustworthy, like sharing a toy.

When you meet someone new, shaking their hand is like saying, “I’m ready to be friends!” It’s a simple way to show that you’re not hiding anything, just like when you give your friend a high-five before playing a game. Your hand is open, and so are you!

Hands are strong and reliable, like a backpack that holds all your stuff. When you shake someone’s hand, it feels like you’re making a promise: “We can work together!” It’s like when you hold hands with your sibling while climbing the jungle gym, you both know you’ll help each other if one of you slips.

Shaking hands is also like giving a big hug with your hands. You don’t have to be close to show you care, just a little squeeze can say “Hello, I’m glad to see you!”