handskakningen

Hands k akningen is a traditional gesture involving the grasp of another person’s right hand and a brief shake, used as greeting, to express agreement, or as a sign of congratulations. In Swedish usage, handskakningen refers to both social and professional contexts of the gesture.

Typically, a handskakningen begins with eye contact and a brief smile. The initiator extends the right hand at about waist- or chest-height, and the other person grasps and returns the shake with a short up‑and‑down motion. The grip should be firm but not painful, and the duration usually 1–3 seconds. Hands should be clean and dry, and the movement should feel natural and respectful.

Cultural variation exists in how handskakningen is performed or perceived. In Sweden and many European contexts, a brief, firm handshake is standard in professional settings; in more informal situations, a lighter grip may be appropriate. Some cultures employ a two-handed (double-handed) handshake for warmth or formality, while others favor a single-handed version. Attitudes toward gender, religion, and personal space can influence whether handshakes occur between men and women, and some individuals may prefer non-contact greetings such as a nod or bow.

History and health aspects: The handshake is an ancient gesture with various origin theories, including interpretations as a sign of peace or to demonstrate the absence of weapons. Over time it became a widely accepted form of greeting and a symbol for sealing agreements. In contemporary contexts, handshakes are also discussed in terms of hygiene; during disease outbreaks, alternatives like fist bumps, elbow bumps, or non-contact greetings are often recommended.