Most recently, at the 2026 World Cup, an English player actively refused to shake hands with a Ghanaian colleague because this player was in legal trouble. And it sparked multi-faceted debate about a seemingly immutable ritual. The handshake, from a survival reflex in history, is undergoing major cognitive tests in modern society.
Returning to the origin, the early handshake was a form of... protecting life. Ancient Greeks and Romans extended their right hands forward, even grabbed their forearms and shook them hard to prove themselves transparent, unarmed, and checked if the opponent had hidden hidden weapons in their sleeves. By the 17th century, this ritual was equalized by people belonging to the Quaker movement in England to replace the act of bowing or kneeling before the nobility. Over time, it transformed into a global standard of conduct, symbolizing trust, fair commitment and martial spirit.
However, in the modern context, the meaning of this action is placed under many different prisms.
From a traditional and popular cultural perspective, the handshake before and after each sports match or negotiation is a minimum ethical act. It is seen as a symbol of putting aside conflict, showing respect for the opponent's efforts regardless of the outcome of winning or losing. Maintaining this ritual keeps social relationships within safe and civilized boundaries.
Conversely, under the lens of behavioral psychology and pragmatic pressure, the handshake is sometimes seen as a forced performance. There are times when physically and mentally exhausted, forcing the brain injured to immediately perform a social smile ritual can create a conflict with the true emotions of the individual.
Sometimes outsiders cannot understand the nature of the story or what is inside the main character. So how to receive this action depends on the value system and perspective of each individual.
