National Handshake Day (last Thursday in June)
Even in our screen-filled world, nothing replaces a solid handshake. Whether it’s sealing a deal or meeting someone new, this small gesture says a lot.
National Handshake Day, celebrated on the last Thursday in June, honors the simple yet powerful way we connect physically and symbolically.
From ancient rituals to modern greetings, the handshake is more than habit, it’s a sign of trust and respect. One of many silly holidays in June, this one reminds us that sometimes, human touch matters most.
When is the Holiday?
National Handshake Day takes place on the last Thursday in June each year.
Upcoming dates include:
- June 26, 2025
- June 25, 2026
- June 24, 2027
- June 29, 2028
- June 28, 2029
Who Invented It?
No single person or organization is credited. The holiday likely grew out of appreciation for the handshake’s deep cultural role across time and geography.
The History of the Holiday
While the holiday is modern, the gesture is ancient. In ancient Greece and Rome, the handshake symbolized peace and loyalty.
Warriors met with empty hands to show they carried no weapons. During the Middle Ages, knights would shake hands to affirm mutual respect.
Over time, the handshake became common in business, politics, and everyday life. The holiday was established to reflect on and celebrate this small act with big meaning.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
During the pandemic, the fist bump temporarily replaced the handshake, but traditions are slowly returning.
Handshakes date back to 5th century BC Greece, where they symbolized equality and peace.
The modern handshake wasn’t widespread until the 1800s, when it became a standard Western greeting.
In business, 70% of people believe a handshake can make or break a first impression.
A firm handshake increases perceived trustworthiness, according to body language experts.
Activities to Celebrate
Handshake Etiquette Session: Teach kids or coworkers the dos and don’ts of a proper handshake.
Create a Handshake Wall: Invite friends to ink their handprints on a poster with their names and best handshake tips.
Role-play Greetings: For kids, turn learning handshakes into a social skills activity.
Watch Handshake Scenes: Clip iconic movie handshakes (e.g., The Parent Trap, The Godfather) and discuss what they mean.
Document the Day: Post photos or videos of meaningful handshakes with the tag #NationalHandshakeDay.
Links to Resources
- PBS Kids Social Skills Games: Interactive games that help young children understand emotions, empathy, and polite greetings, including situations where a handshake might be used.
- The Handshake by Ella Al-Shamahi: A fascinating science-meets-history read that dives into why humans shake hands, how it evolved, and what it tells us about cooperation and biology.
- Why the Simple Act of Touch Is So Powerful: Neuroscientist Francis McGlone breaks down the science behind touch, including the role of handshakes in human connection and emotional communication.
Related Holidays
International Day of Friendship (July 30) – Established by the UN to promote peace through friendship, this day celebrates how small gestures, like a handshake, can spark deeper human connections across cultures.
National Hug Your Cat Day (June 4) – While not everyone enjoys a handshake, some prefer a furry cuddle. This quirky day highlights affectionate bonds in all forms, even the ones that purr.
National Send a Card to a Friend Day (February 7) – A handwritten card and a thoughtful message can reconnect friends much like a warm handshake does, both simple acts that mean a lot.
National Common Courtesy Day (March 21) – Dedicated to small, respectful gestures like saying “please,” holding doors, and yes, giving a proper handshake. A reminder that civility still matters.
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