What is the origin of the spit handshake?

Answer 1

Well, honey, the spit handshake is just a fancy term for sealing a deal by spitting in your hand and shaking on it. It's an old-school tradition that goes way back when folks had to prove they were serious about their agreements. So, next time you seal a deal, just remember to bring some hand sanitizer.

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.