Mark your calendars and limber up those fingers—National Handshake Day lands on June 27th each year, and it’s more than just a reason to clasp palms. In fact, National Handshake Day celebrates a surprisingly powerful social ritual that has sealed deals, started friendships, and launched awkward moments across centuries. From ancient warriors to modern job seekers, the humble handshake packs a punch worthy of its own day.
So shake off the cobwebs, people—this is one day where high-fives take a backseat and fist bumps are politely shown the door.
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Shake, Rattle, and Roll: A Brief History of the Handshake
Before National Handshake Day became an actual observance (credit to the marketing geniuses at Brody Professional Development, who launched it to promote business etiquette), the handshake had a long, sweaty-palmed history.
Historians trace the earliest evidence of handshakes back to 5th century B.C. Greece. It wasn’t just a friendly greeting—it was a way to prove you weren’t hiding a weapon. Think of it as a “trust-but-verify” maneuver from the age of togas. Roman soldiers even added the forearm grab, just to make sure no one had daggers up their sleeves. Safety first!
As the centuries rolled by, the handshake evolved from a security measure to a symbol of diplomacy, equality, and corporate schmoozing. By the Victorian era, it was a common form of greeting among the middle class, though upper-class types still preferred bowing and curtseying—handshakes were a bit too “hands-on” for their taste.
The Psychology of the Shake
Here’s why National Handshake Day actually matters: science shows that a handshake triggers positive neurological reactions. Research from the University of Illinois found that people feel more connected and cooperative after shaking hands. That’s right—a firm shake can literally increase your likeability score.
Of course, there are unspoken rules. Too limp? You come across as a wet spaghetti noodle. Too firm? You’ve now entered “small-scale assault” territory. And don’t even get started on the dreaded “hand over hand” shake—unless you’re running for political office or impersonating Joe Biden.
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Pop Culture’s Greatest Handshakes
National Handshake Day also offers a fine excuse to revisit the most iconic handshakes in pop culture history. Let’s start with the over-the-top arm clasp from Predator—when Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers engaged in a muscle-flexing duel disguised as a handshake. It didn’t just shake hands—it shook cinema.
Then there’s the classic Men in Black handshake, accompanied by memory-erasing devices. Ideal for awkward first dates and family reunions. And don’t forget the viral handshake routines from NBA players—elaborate, choreographed, and more complicated than your tax return.
The Handshake Apocalypse: COVID and the Comeback
We can’t talk about National Handshake Day without addressing the elephant elbow in the room: the pandemic. During COVID-19, the handshake became a biohazard, replaced by elbow bumps, toe taps, and awkward nods. It was the dark age of greeting rituals.
But as vaccinations spread and hand sanitizer sales skyrocketed, the handshake made its comeback—like a washed-up rock band on a reunion tour. National Handshake Day now represents not just a physical gesture, but a metaphor for human connection rising from the ashes of social distancing.
How to Celebrate National Handshake Day
Celebrating National Handshake Day is both simple and slightly weird—which is perfect, honestly. Here’s how:
- Reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in a while—with a handshake, of course.
- Host a Handshake Contest at your office. Categories: Most Confident, Most Awkward, and Most Likely to Be Mistaken for Arm Wrestling.
- Watch handshake montages on YouTube and rate them like an Olympic judge.
- Practice your grip with a stress ball, because nothing ruins a handshake faster than sweaty palms and hand cramps.
And if you’re still squeamish about germs, do a virtual handshake—just shake your webcam and nod solemnly. It’s 2025. We make do.
National Handshake Day: Why This Powerful Tradition Still Matters
National Handshake Day isn’t just about fingers and thumbs—it’s about forging bonds, showing respect, and sometimes squeezing just a little too hard. In a world increasingly run by emojis, texts, and Zoom waves, the handshake remains a powerful symbol of human connection.
So this June 27th, reach out—literally—and celebrate National Handshake Day with pride. Just remember: eye contact is key, and sweaty palms are optional.
