How did shaking hands when you meet someone originate?

Question

How did shaking hands when you meet someone originate?

Answer 1

The custom of Shaking Hands originated in the ancient and universal practice of adversaries grasping the weapon hand during a truce as a precaution against treachery. But it will be asked, How came it that the chance meeting of friends was signalized by a shaking of hands? To this it may be answered that, just as the warrior clutched the weapon hand of his enemy to prevent mischief; so he freely extended his own weapon hand to a friend as a sign that he had no thought of standing on the defensive. It needs no great stretch of imagination to understand that the hand shake was but the natural outcome of a hearty and vigorous grasp. At one time strict etiquette demanded that a person should Unglove the Hand before offering it to another in friendly greeting. This was a relic of the days of chivalry, when a knight removed his gauntlet in token of perfect confidence in the peaceful intentions of his neighbour. Gloves are never worn in the presence of royalty.

Answer 2

It showed the other person you didn't have a weapon in that hand.

Answer 3

I think Thomas Jefferson popularized it.

Answer 4

popular belief says the empty hand has no weapon, but now we would say " talk to the hand" while we whack you with the other.  The impulse to touch took variation, like some hug ( which was often done so as to drive the assassins blade deeper) then others kiss. Eskimoes rub noses.