Origin of Everything: Why Do We Shake Hands?
The video "Origin of Everything: Why Do We Shake Hands?" from the "Origin of Everything" series explores the cultural significance and historical evolution of handshakes. It examines how the practice has been ingrained in various cultures, tracing back to ancient Iraq, Greece, and Rome, where it symbolized alliances and friendship. The video also highlights how handshakes appear in historical artworks and references in literary works such as Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey." Key discussions include the impact of pandemics, like the Yellow Fever of 1793 and the 1918 Spanish Flu, on the continuity of this social gesture. Emphasizing its communicative power, the video reflects on modern health debates around handshakes in the context of hygiene and potential changes in social etiquette. This video is particularly relevant for those interested in sociology, cultural customs, and hygiene practices, engaging viewers in historical narratives with relatable considerations in today's pandemic-conscious world.
Media Details
Runtime: 8 minutes 37 seconds
- Topic: Health and Safety, Language Arts, Social Science
- Subtopic: Communication, Community Life, Culture and Society, Diseases and Conditions, Friendship, Nonverbal Media, Public Health, Social Psychology, Sociology
- Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
- Release Year: 2020
- Producer/Distributor: PBS Digital Studios
- Series: Origin of Everything
- Report a Problem
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