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Trivia And Fun Facts About Handshakes: Every year on the final Thursday of June, people celebrate National Handshake Day to honour one of the most traditional and widely used greeting gestures: the handshake. This day falls on June 26 in 2025. Despite its apparent simplicity, a handshake has a profound meaning. Whether in friendship, business, or daily life, it's frequently the first way we establish a connection with someone. The handshake has evolved into a cross-cultural symbol of unity, respect, trust, and agreement.

There are fascinating anecdotes and surprising facts associated with handshakes, spanning from ancient customs to contemporary practices. It may surprise you to learn that a handshake can transmit millions of germs or reveal a person's level of confidence. Or the fact that the longest handshake and the most handshakes in a day have world records? This gesture holds a special place in our interactions with others, whether they are friendly or formal.

In this article, let’s explore more than 30 fun and fascinating facts about handshakes—from their history and cultural significance to etiquette, records, and science. Get ready to shake things up and learn something new on National Handshake Day 2025! Here are 30+ fun facts and trivia about handshakes or National Handshake Day 2025.

Historical Facts About Handshakes

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History and Fun facts About handshakes (Image: canva)

1. The handshake dates back to ancient Greece as early as the 5th century BC.
2. In medieval times, knights shook hands to show they weren't hiding weapons.
3. Some historians believe handshakes were a symbol of peace and trust among tribes.
4. President Theodore Roosevelt was known for shaking over 8,500 hands in one day.
5. The Quakers popularised handshaking in the 17th century to replace bowing or tipping hats.

Cultural Trivia Regarding Handshakes

6. In Japan, handshakes are uncommon; bowing is the preferred greeting.
7. In some Middle Eastern cultures, handshakes between men and women are discouraged.
8. In Russia, it’s considered rude to shake hands across a threshold.
9. In China, a soft handshake is considered polite, not weak.
10. In Africa, certain tribes have unique handshake rituals that can involve finger snapping.

 

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World Records On Handshakes

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History and Fun facts About handshakes (Image: canva)

11. The longest handshake ever recorded lasted 43 hours and 35 minutes.
12. The most people shaking hands simultaneously is 1,817, set in India in 2012.
13. The most handshakes in 24 hours by an individual is 19,550, set by a politician in the Philippines.

Scientific Facts About Handshakes

14. A typical handshake transfers over 120 million bacteria.
15. Studies show handshakes activate parts of the brain linked to trust and connection.
16. Firm handshakes are associated with higher confidence and better first impressions.
17. People with cold or clammy hands are often perceived less favorably in professional settings.
18. Handshakes can trigger the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone.

Handshake With Etiquette & Style

19. A good handshake lasts around 2 to 3 seconds.
20. Avoid crushing someone’s hand—it’s a common etiquette mistake.
21. Eye contact during a handshake enhances sincerity.
22. Double handshakes (using both hands) can appear overly assertive or political.
23. Shaking hands while seated is considered impolite in formal settings.

Pop Culture & Politics Handshake

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History and Fun facts About handshakes (Image: canva)

24. The “handshake moment” between Barack Obama and Raúl Castro in 2013 drew global attention.
25. The awkward handshake between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron went viral due to its intensity.
26. In professional sports, post-match handshakes are a symbol of sportsmanship.
27. “Secret handshakes” are often seen in fraternities and kids’ clubs as signs of loyalty.

COVID-19 & Handshake Alternatives

28. The handshake saw a global decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
29. Alternatives like fist bumps, elbow taps, and namaste gained popularity post-pandemic.
30. Studies found that fist bumps transmit 90% fewer germs than traditional handshakes.

 

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Miscellaneous Fun Facts About Handshakes

31. The word “handshake” first appeared in English print in the 17th century.
32. Some companies train employees on the perfect handshake as part of the onboarding process.
33. A weak handshake can negatively impact your chances in job interviews.
34. In some countries, refusal to shake hands can be interpreted as a serious insult.
35. National Handshake Day is celebrated every last Thursday of June in 2025; it falls on June 26.

 

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