Secret handshake
Template:Short description Template:Otheruses
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]