Secret Handshake
An Interaction ritual for Connection
How to do it:
Version 1:
Bring your hands together as if to shake hands. From here, develop a style that feels comfortable and unique that you can slip into rather easily.
Play with how each other’s fingers touch, fold or bend. Where the hands grip, from fingers to up the forearm.
Make it your own, then practice a few times.
Next time you see each other, if you accidentally slip into a normal handshake, and someone remembers, do it again to refresh. Before you know it, it’ll be 20 years later and the only way your body knows how to greet them!
Version 2:
Start with a basic introduction. A handshake, a fist bump or a wave.
Add a move that requires each person to alternate/take turns.
For example: Stacking your fists on top of each others.
Make some noise! Clap, use your voice or snap your fingers.
Move on to the body movement. This can mean hip-bumping, a body wave or a dance solo.
Switch positions. A part of secret handshakes is showing how in sync you are with each other.
Finish everything with a rather mundane move to show how easy the process was for you. This can be a regular handshake or a walk off.
Why do it:
Creating a secret handshake with a friend is a playful, fun way to deepen your connection. The more elaborate your handshake is the more rewarding it’ll be when you’ve executed the routine perfectly.
When to do it:
When You See Each Other
How long it takes:
<2 mins
Materials Needed:
N/A
Origin:
Unkown origin.
Freemasons and other secret societies greet each other with distinct handshakes and gestures.
Original Source: