Secret handshake

For other uses, see Secret Handshake.
The Pass grip of a Fellow Craft, a Masonic recognition sign

A secret handshake is a distinct form of handshake or greeting which indicates membership in or loyalty to a club, clique or subculture. The typical secret handshake involves placing one's fingers or thumbs in a particular position, one that will be recognized by fellow members while seeming to be a normal handshake to non-members.[1] This is most frequently associated in the popular consciousness with college fraternities, fraternal orders and secret societies.

Examples

In the Roman mystery religion Mithraism, members were initiated with a handshake, and members were known as syndexioi (united by the handshake).[2]

Freemasons are among the long-standing users of secret handshakes, known as "grips".[3]

Mormonism also uses secret handshakes, modeled on the handshakes used in Freemasonry.[4]

Secret handshakes are also used by college fraternities in the United States, and used by members as recognition symbols in later life.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Duncan, Malcolm C. (2005). Duncan's Masonic ritual and monitor: or, Guide to the three symbolic degrees of the ancient York rite, and to the degrees of mark master, past master, most excellent master, and the royal arch (3rd ed. with additions and corrections ed.). Florida: Sweetwater Press. ISBN 978-1-58173-530-7.
  2. ^ M. Clauss, The Roman cult of Mithras, p. 42: "That the hand-shaken might make their vows joyfully forever"
  3. ^ Buck, Kate (2018-02-08). "Do Freemasons really have a secret handshake?". Metro. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  4. ^ "Temple Ceremony / Masonry". Mormon Stories. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  5. ^ "Secret handshakes greet frat brothers as Wall Street women trail". Financial Post. December 23, 2013. Retrieved 2024-10-14.