National Handshake Day

National Handshake Day is observed on the last Thursday of June. The day highlights the handshake as a traditional gesture used to greet someone, show agreement, or build trust. While customs vary, the handshake remains one of the most recognizable signs of welcome and respect in many places.

History of National Handshake Day

Handshakes have been used for centuries. Images on ancient Assyrian and Greek artifacts suggest that clasping hands symbolized agreement and cooperation. In medieval Europe, the gesture also carried a practical meaning, as people could demonstrate they were not holding a weapon.
By the 18th century, handshakes became a more common greeting among people of equal social standing, especially in business and social life. National Handshake Day is often described as a modern observance established in 2005 to recognize how long this simple gesture has remained part of everyday communication.

Interesting Facts About National Handshake Day

Handshake etiquette differs across cultures, and even within the same culture, people may interpret a handshake differently.

1. In earlier eras, clasping hands could serve as a sign of safety, showing that a person was not preparing to attack.
2. In some communities, greetings like nodding, bowing, or removing a hat were preferred, and handshakes were reserved for specific situations.
3. People often read meaning into a handshake’s firmness, length, and eye contact, as part of broader body language.

Handshakes can also spread germs. If you shake hands, it helps to keep your hands clean and use sanitizer when appropriate.

How to Take Part in National Handshake Day

National Handshake Day can be observed in a simple and respectful way.

• Greet friends or colleagues with a handshake when it is welcome and appropriate, and keep it polite and brief.
• Learn about handshake traditions around the world and how greetings differ by region and culture.
• Explore the history of ceremonial or “secret” handshakes used by different groups, and share what you learn in a thoughtful way.

If a handshake does not feel appropriate, a nod, a wave, or another respectful greeting can carry the same friendly intent.

When Is National Handshake Day in 2026?

National Handshake Day is observed on the last Thursday of June each year.

Observations