Image captured by Roberto Schilt, AFP/Getty

In these unusual times, we find ourselves adapting to new norms and practices. One such change is the decline in the use of handshakes, a gesture that has been a part of human interaction for thousands of years.

The handshake, as we know it today, originated as a practical gesture to show that neither person was holding a weapon, symbolizing trust and goodwill between individuals. This ancient ritual evolved from a way to demonstrate peaceful intentions into a widespread social gesture of greeting, agreement, and respect across many cultures.

From Ancient Greece to various cultures, including Quakers, the handshake has maintained this symbolic role. In some societies, it functions as a formal greeting or seal of an agreement, while in others it may convey respect or friendship.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing measures have significantly impacted the practice of handshakes. Physical contact became discouraged or restricted to prevent virus transmission, leading many to shift to alternative greeting methods like elbow bumps, waves, or bows. These changes have caused some to reassess its role in social interactions with a greater focus on hygiene and safety.

In the world of mountaineering, Barbara Washburn, a remarkable explorer, left her mark by mapping the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest. Washburn, who passed away in 2014, just a few weeks short of her 100th birthday, once said, "Yet in the end ... that home would be in an igloo, at 12,000 feet, sharing Tang-flavored fig pudding with my husband; or as the lightest climber going first to test the cornices on a narrow exposed ridge; or staring out at summit views that no one else had seen."

As we navigate through this pandemic, it's essential to remember the importance of social distancing in halting the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives. It's a challenging time, but we can find solace in the fact that we're all in this together.

For those feeling the loneliness of social distancing, a guide has been provided to help ease the isolation. This newsletter, curated and edited by David Beard, also includes coverage by George Stone on travel, Victoria Jaggard on science, Rachael Bale on animal news, and Whitney Johnson on photography. If you're not a subscriber, you can sign up to receive this newsletter.

In other news, restaurateur José Andrés temporarily closed his restaurants to provide food for those in need. Meanwhile, distilleries in Indianapolis and Portland, Oregon, are making hand sanitizer and giving it away to customers.

The history of the handshake is rich and fascinating, a testament to the evolving nature of human interaction. As we move forward, let's remember the importance of trust, respect, and goodwill in our interactions, even if they may look a little different.

Sources:

History.com Editors. (2010). The History of the Handshake. History.com.
BBC News. (2020). Coronavirus: How to shake hands during a pandemic. BBC.
The New York Times. (2020). The Handshake Is Dead. Long Live the Handshake. The New York Times.
Smithsonian Magazine. (2020). The Handshake's History and Evolution. Smithsonian Magazine.
BBC Culture. (2020). The history of the handshake. BBC Culture.
Nat Geo. (2020). The Ineffectiveness of Beaklike Masks Worn by Doctors During the Plague. Nat Geo.
The Washington Post. (2019). All 16 Dead Sea Scroll fragments at the Museum of the Bible are forgeries, researchers say. The Washington Post.
National Geographic. (2020). The Last Slave Ship to the U.S. Has Been Found. National Geographic.
As we navigate through this pandemic, we can reflect on Barbara Washburn's curiosity and adventure, finding solace in the exploration of our new health-and-wellness routines and mental-health resources.
With the decline in handshakes, the history of this ancient ritual serves as a reminder of the importance of trust, respect, and goodwill in our relationships, much like the pioneering spirit of early expeditions and the discoveries they made in science and photography.
Just as mountaineers, explorers, and scientists have adapted to challenging environments, we too can adapt to the changes in our daily lives, embracing the use of virtual interaction, and continuing to travel, both physically and mentally, through the power of our imagination.
In these trying times, we can turn to resources such as David Beard's newsletter, which covers diverse topics like travel, science, and photography, stirring our sense of wonder and curiosity, while keeping us connected to the world outside our homes, even as we practice safe distancing.