3The shaka or “hang loose” gesture
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This gesture originated when a Hawaiian called Hamana Kalili suffered a sugar mill accident in which he lost three of his fingers. His wave of the thumb and pinkie denoting the all clear evolved into the shaka which was imitated by kids too. The Shaka sign is used to signify an attitude of hanging loose associated mainly with surfing communities in Hawaii. It slowly spread around the world as an expression of greeting or gratitude.
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Used by whalers
The origin of the shaka are explained by other theories such as one which says that Spanish immigrants would usually fold three middle fingers and bring the thumb to their mouths to express a friendly gesture with the Hawaiians. One theory says that whalers were the first ones to use shakas when they had to signal they had found a catch.
It is Lippy Espinda who is credited with the creation of the shaka for using the sign extensively in his ads and though it may not be regarded by some, it is a wide known fact that he has increased the popularity of the gesture.
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4The handshake
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The handshake was used in ancient Greece as a method to make sure the other person wasn’t carrying a concealed weapon. BY clasping hands, it made both sure there was no weapon and the shaking was meant to shake out any weapons carried in ones sleeve. Texts and paintings as far back as the 5th century depict people and soldiers shaking hands.
Moreover, since weapons weren’t used by the left hand, only the right hand was shaken. Soon this gesture evolved into a symbol of trust and greeting to show each other no harm was intended towards each other.
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