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The 'Spit Handshake' originated around the 14th century in modern day Czechoslovakia. Working class individuals often had dry and callous hands due to hard labour, so when handshaking an individual they experienced some pain. In fact there was an account, (fabricated most likely) of two men's hands spontaneously conbusting due to the friction generated from their handshake. To counter this pesky and common problem, Hans Spitstein developed the 'Spit Handshake' in which both parties would lubricate their hands before commencing the act. Obviously as these were working class men, oil was not readily available and so spit was used as a replacement. Over time the act of spitting on one's hand and offering it became viewed as an act of respect and trust, involving into the 'Spit Handshake' we know and love.

Sources: A Brief History of the Handshake

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Wiki User

12y ago
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Anonymous

Lvl 1
4y ago
Hans Spitstein? Really?
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Sam Hale

Lvl 2
2y ago

Pliny the Elder:

"It was believed that if a man assaulted another with a fist or projectile and then spit in the palm of the offending hand, the victim would forgive him."

I am assuming that over time this translated into a way of forgiving any previous disagreements and moving on as equals. It's more modern use in sealing trade agreements seems to indicate that.

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Wiki User

13y ago

It was originally a way to prove that an opponent was unarmed. To shake hands a warrior had to put his weapon in the scabbard.

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Q: What is the origin of the spit handshake?
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Continue Learning about American Government

What is the Supreme Court's 'conference handshake' and when does it take place?

Chief Justice Melvin Fuller began the tradition of the "conference handshake," a ritual where each justice shakes the hand of every other justice, in the 19th century. The handshake takes place immediately before the justices take the bench in open court or enter the conference room to discuss a case. The purpose of the handshake is to remind the justices that even when they disagree, they are still united for a common purpose.On days when the Court is in session, arguments are typically heard at 10:00 or 11:00 am, so the handshake would occur shortly before the justices are seated.Conferences are typically scheduled for 9:30 or 10:00 am, and only convene after the official handshake, which usually occurs within five minutes before the start of the conference.In most cases, the handshake takes place mid-morning.The Court sometimes schedules afternoon arguments in addition to or in place of the morning session, though.


What is the Conference handshake supposed to be reminder of?

To symbolize cohesiveness throughout the judges.


Do Muslims spit before serving food?

Yes Muslims can spit when fasting! I have!


What is the handshake for phi beta sigma?

Pledge and all the knowledge will be yours to keep.


Who was the first president to use a handshake rather than a bow?

The handshake has bee around way longer than the United States. The custom comes from when men carried swords. Since most people are right handed they would carry a sword on their left side; or some other weapons. When two people would meet they would extend their right hands to show that they did not have a weapon and grab each others hand as to show not only good faith but so they could grab the weapon really quickly. The shake may have come from trying to shake out any hidden weapons from the sleeves.